In the post-fight press conference the UFC revealed that Conor McGregor now has two choices. He can either remain at 145 lbs and continue to defend the featherweight title or he can vacate the belt and move up to 155 where he'd receive an immediate title shot against the winner of Dos Anjos and Cerrone. Conor himself said "there's no way in hell I'm vacating my belt" but instead has his sights set on continuing to hold that belt while moving up and winning the 155 lb title and becoming the first man to hold titles in two divisions simultaneously. But according to Dana White, McGregor's coach Jon Kavanaugh told him at the conclusion of the fight that Conor would "never make 145 again." He cuts a significant amount of weight to make the featherweight limit and his coach insists it's taking its toll on him. For his part, McGregor says he can continue to make weight, citing the fact that he's never had difficulty pulling it off before. The only intriguing fights for McGregor at 145 is the inevitable Aldo rematch, and possibly a bout with Frankie Edgar, although in my opinion that won't even be competitive; Edgar will simply be outclassed in every way. However the prospect of McGregor in the stacked lightweight division is enticing. Match-ups with the aforementioned Dos Anjos and Cerrone, plus Anthony Pettis, Khabib Nurmagomedov and Eddie Alvarez would all be potentially awesome fights. Regardless of what he chooses - and judging by his tone in the post-fight press he's done it sounds like he's eyeing 155 - Conor McGregor has clearly ascended to the top of the food chain in the mixed martial arts jungle, and whether you love him or hate him you definitely have an opinion on him, and that's a good thing.
Brad Hamilton is a writer, musician and marketer/social media manager from Atlanta, Georgia. He's an undefeated freestyle rap battle champion, spends too little time being productive and defines himself as the literary version of Brock Lesnar.
