If you haven’t heard already, the fight between UFC Featherweight Champion Conor McGregor and newly-crowned Lightweight Champion Eddie Alvarez is official. The match will headline UFC 205, the promotion’s debut event in New York City. Only the lightweight championship will be on the line.
As can be expected, there’s a lot of excitement around the fight. SevereMMA.com’s Niall McGrath joked that he “wet the bed” when he heard about the card.
I just wet the bed –
Eddie Alvarez vs.Conor McGregor
Tyron Woodley vs.Stephen Thompson
Joanna Jedrzejczyk vs.Karolina Kowalkiewicz #UFC205— Niall McGrath (@niallmcgrath4) September 27, 2016
However, not everyone is thrilled with the upcoming superfight, most notably, the lightweight division’s number one contender, Khabib Nurmagomedov.
I have two bout agreements that bullshit champ refuses to sign. I got used the whole time to make Conor and Eddie get on their knees and beg
— khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) September 27, 2016
Just for the record @Ealvarezfight and @TheNotoriousMMA fear me I'm just a man. Your time will come to get my hands on you
— khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) September 27, 2016
Khabib is riding a 23-0 undefeated streak in MMA. He was also the man to defeat former Lightweight Champion Rafael dos Anjos before Alvarez did at UFC Fight Night 90.
Considering his status as number one contender and his record, it should come as no surprise that the Avar-Russian lightweight feels cheated out of his shot against Alvarez. In fact, many in the media feel his pain.
Feel for him. He's the #1 contender. I don't blame him for being upset, especially after last week. Don't blame Eddie either. Tough spot. https://t.co/YyQBSB04nI
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) September 27, 2016
Khabib got used and tossed to the side. Heartless, but what do you expect?
— Jeremy Botter (@jeremybotter) September 27, 2016
Khabib isn’t the only one eager for a match against his division’s champion. UFC Interim Featherweight Champion Jose Aldo demanded that McGregor either meet him at UFC 205 or “drop the belt.”
Where you at @TheNotoriousMMA? Come back down and I'll see you at UFC205 or drop the belt! #hitandrun
— Jose Aldo Junior (@josealdojunior) August 21, 2016
McGregor defeated Aldo in a mere thirteen seconds at their last match at UFC 194 back in December. Since then, Conor has fought twice, but has not defended his belt once. This match at UFC 205 will mark the third time McGregor will fight without having to worry about losing his featherweight crown.
UFC 205 will go down live from the world-famous Madison Square Garden on November 12. There will be two other titles on the card besides Alvarez’s lightweight championship: Tyron Woodley will be defending his welterweight belt against Stephan Thompson, and Women’s Strawweight Champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk will be looking to retain her strap against fellow Pole Karolina Kowalkiewicz.
Big names such as Donald Cerrone, Miesha Tate, and Frankie Edgar will also be making their way to New York in order to be part of this historic card.
it’s all about the $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
feel bad for khabib and i’m not even a super fan of his…