UFC champ Leon Edwards and rival Kamaru Usman open door to Conor McGregor fight after Irishman eyes title shot
A FIGHT with Conor McCgregor appeals to both Leon Edwards and Kamaru Usman.
The Brit, 31, will make the first defence of his UFC welterweight title in a mouthwatering trilogy fight with the 35-year-old Usman.
Getty Images – GettyConor McGregor has revealed his ambition to fight for the UFC welterweight title[/caption]
GettyCurrent champ Leon Edwards defends the belt against Kamaru Usman tonight[/caption]
Edwards shocked the world last August by dethroning the former pound-for-pound king at UFC 278.
Rocky became only Britain’s second UFC champion with a Hail Mary head kick in the dying embers of the fifth and final round.
Now the Brummie’s series decider with the UFC’s former pound-for-pound king tops the UFC 286 bill at the O2 Arena on Saturday night.
However, another huge mega fight could be on the cards for whoever wins after former two-weight world champ McGregor outlined his welterweight title ambitions.
The Irishman is set to return to the octagon later this year against Michael Chandler at 170lbs after he has finished filming of The Ultimate Fighter.
McGregor, who previously claimed gold at featherweight and lightweight, said on The MMA Hour: “Yeah, I’d like [a welterweight title shot]. So I would like that.”
And the reigning champ is completely open to facing the Notorious.
When asked about the possibility this week, Edwards said: “As the king, I welcome all challengers. So whoever comes can get it.”
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST NEW CUSTOMER SIGN UP DEALS
Usman has also previously spoken about his desire to face McGregor when he had possession of the strap.
He said: “I’ve always said I welcome it. If it happens, it happens.”
Whether or not it would be a match that UFC president Dana White makes remains to be seen.
Especially since McGregor holds no wins over any welterweights or lightweights ranked by the MMA promotion except for his 2014 win against Dustin Poirier, which took place at featherweight.
