UFC’s Conor McGregor Claims He Can Dismantle Floyd Mayweather In Seconds, He Feels The Fight Can Generate Half A Billion (Photo : Winslow Townson/Reuters)
The highly-anticipated showdown between UFC lightweight champion Rafael Dos Anjos (25-7) and challenger, featherweight title holder Conor "Notorious" McGregor (19-2) which was set to take place March 5 in Las Vegas will have to be put on the shelf as of the moment.
Team Dos Anjos revealed that the Brazilian had decided to pull out of the event citing a foot injury just a little over a week out from the fight.
The organization is currently scrambling to find a suitable replacement although no announcements have been made as yet. With a little under two weeks left to the fight, it will be difficult for the UFC to find someone to fill in for Dos Anjos to save the main event.
It is unclear whether Frankie Edgar, who was supposed to get a shot at the UFC featherweight belt would be willing to take a fight on short notice.
One fighter however, Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone seems interested in stepping in as a last-minute replacement. Cerrone's manager says the fighter is asking for the opportunity against McGregor, stating that Cerrone is close to the stipulated weight and can possibly make a run at it.
Cerrone (29-7-1) just competed last February 21 in a victory over Alex Oliveira.
The situation is similar to what McGregor had experienced with former featherweight champion Jose Aldo last year. Then champion Aldo had been scheduled to defend his title at UFC 189 against McGregor but had to pull out due to a rib injury.
Aldo eventually faced McGregor at UFC 194 and lost by knockout just 13 seconds into the first round.
After winning the featherweight strap, McGregor had expressed his interest in replicating his success in his previous promotion by becoming a two-weight title holder.
After calling out Dos Anjos following his victory over Aldo, weeks later, the lightweight title bout was made.
McGregor employed similar mind-game tactics on Dos Anjos that appeared to get under the reigning lightweight champion's skin.
A verbal back and forth tirade ensued between the two fighters leading up to what would have been a highly publicized bout next week.
Dos Anjos - McGregor however will have to wait as Dos Anjos recovers from injury.
