When it comes down to selecting opponents, Conor McGregor has his pick of the litter. After all, who doesn't want the opportunity to face the biggest star in the sport and make life-changing money?
During the buildup to his UFC 246 bout on Saturday against Donald Cerrone, McGregor has mentioned a rematch against lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, welterweight titlist Kamaru Usman and BMF champ Jorge Masvidal. At his short media session on Thursday, McGregor added a new name to the list that he's had some verbal sparring with in the past.
“I think regardless of the result, I think I should probably face both of these men (Nurmagomedov and Ferguson),” McGregor said. “I would like to face both of these men. I’d like to face Tony Ferguson. I’ve had a history with Tony, right? We managed Tony (at Paradigm). He was well looked after. We had him one of the highest-paid non-champions in the game. There’s history with Tony. So, I’d like a bout with Tony at some stage.
“Of course the rematch (with Khabib), we must make that rematch. I’m pushing for the Moscow bout. Both men are certainly in the crosshairs.”
At his insistence, McGregor will be facing Cerrone at welterweight. The 31-year-old wanted it that way because the division is heating up right now, led by Usman and Masvidal right behind him.
Usman and Masvidal also held separate media sessions on Thursday and expressed sincere interest in taking on McGregor. That was precisely what McGregor wanted to hear.
“All the eyes are lighting up when ‘The Notorious' name is mentioned,” McGregor declared. “This 170 bout, I made this bout at 170 for the excitement that is going on at the 170-pound division. And my want to get in there for my situation for the ‘Bad Mother (Expletive)’ belt or the actual world championship bout. So, both of those men are also on my radar.”
Before he can start looking ahead, he has to get by Cerrone first. The former two-division world champion is looking for one thing when he returns to the Octagon for the first time in 15 months that he feels will help him if he beats the man who has the most wins in UFC history.
“I just want activity,” McGregor said. “I’m going in there looking to acquire rounds in here. I’m not in a rush. I’m going to put pressure on Donald. I’m going to hurt Donald. If he can last, I’ll be happy to have five rounds in here and then build on these rounds.”