The UFC are looking for someone to step in and face Conor McGregor at UFC 196 following today’s news that lightweight champion Rafael Dos Anjos was forced to pull out with a suspected broken foot.
As the Irishman has repeatedly reminded us, he is the money fight in the UFC and guy everyone wants to face. This means that there is a long line of willing contenders to step in for next week’s event.
Here are some of the most likely replacements:
Donald Cerrone
“Cowboy” is the current favourite to take the fight.
His manager, Josh Jones, confirmed to FOX Sports that he has reached out to the UFC in the hopes of being given the fight.
Cerrone is in prime physical condition after headlining UFC Fight Night 83 just two days ago where he beat Alex Oliveira in under three minutes suffering no injuries.
The former title challenger has become beloved by MMA fans for his willingness to step and take fights on short notice. He even sold a shirt reading, “anyone, any place, any time”.
Nate Diaz
Fans have been clamouring for this for a while now.
McGregor and Diaz are two of the most marketable fighters on the UFC roster therefore Dana White and co will undoubtedly have this one on their shortlist.
His name was first brought up back in July when Jose Aldo pulled out of the UFC 189 main event. It was Chad Mendes who got given the golden ticket on that occasion.
But Diaz put himself back on McGregor’s radar in his post fight interview after beating Michael Johnson in December.
Diaz said: “F*ck that. Conor McGregor, you’re taking everything I worked for, mother f*cker. I’m gonna fight your f*cking ass. You know what’s the real fight, what’s the real money fight — me. Not these clowns that you already punked at the press conference. Ain’t nobody wants to see that. You know you can beat them already. It’s an easy fight. You want the real sh*t. Right here.”
Imagine what fight week would be like between these two.
Jose Aldo
Since getting KO’d in 13 seconds at UFC 194 Jose Aldo has said that the only fight he will consider taking is a rematch against McGregor.
Brazilian journalist, Guilherme Cruz, fuelled the fire today by stating on Twitter that Aldo has been in training.
This may be Aldo’s only chance to avenge his sole UFC loss as McGregor is seemingly intent on fighting for the lightweight and welterweight straps before returning to featherweight.
Anthony Pettis
According to Ariel Helwani, Pettis’ manager Malki Kawa revealed that he has reached out to the UFC to try and get his man to UFC 196.
Stylistically a fight between McGregor and Pettis is mouthwatering. They are two of the flashiest fighters on the roster and a clash between these two would undoubtedly have fans off their seats.
The fact that “Showtime” is on a two fight losing streak takes the shine away from this one unfortunately and it is fair to assume that the UFC would prefer a more high profile name.
Frankie Edgar
Dos Anjos’ withdrawal has left fans calling for Edgar to step in.
Many believe he deserved the next shot at McGregor after knocking out Chad Mendes to extend his winning streak to five.
Unfortunately we can nip this one in the bud – Edgar is unavailable due to injury.
