LAS VEGAS (AP) – After Jon Jones’ failed doping test threw UFC 200 into turmoil, Conor McGregor realized the UFC needed a last-minute opponent for light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier.
McGregor might be a featherweight fighting at welterweight these days, but his confidence knows no poundage.
“I’m here, and I’m in shape,” McGregor said Thursday. “All they have to do is ask.”
McGregor’s self-belief appears to be unruffled after his 15-fight winning streak ended with a stunning loss to Nate Diaz in March. The fighters traded their usual trash talk and posturing when they made their first joint appearance to promote their rematch at UFC 202 on Aug. 20 at Las Vegas’ new T-Mobile Arena.
McGregor (19-3) only jokingly volunteered to fight at UFC 200, but made it clear he’s serious about avenging his loss to Diaz (19-10) and reasserting his position atop the promotion’s hierarchy. McGregor even referred to the widespread rumors of the UFC’s impending sale to an investment conglomerate by claiming he was the main reason behind it all.