What would happen if Conor McGregor went punch-for-punch with a savage like Robbie Lawler?
We might find out as early as next year, as longtime coach for the reigning featherweight kingpin, John Kavanagh, insists a move to welterweight -- as well as a run at the 170-pound title -- is not out of the question. That's because "Notorious" is used to training with bigger opponents like Gunnar Nelson.
Naturally, that would have to come after his "warm-up fight" against Rafael dos Anjos.
From The 42:
Conor has been cutting down to 145 pounds since he was 16. He's now 27 so it will be nice to take a break from that weight-cut. We've done it plenty of times before and we'll do it again. Funnily enough, the last weight-cut â for the Aldo fight â was probably the best one yet thanks to the help of George Lockhart, who's on board again for this fight. He's part of the team now. You've seen Conor on salads... now watch what he's like on steak. And maybe the pursuit of belts won't stop there either. I've said from the beginning that welterweight may not be out of the question. One of Conor's main sparring partners, Gunnar Nelson, is a welterweight, so Conor is very used to that feel. I would not be at all surprised if we're preparing to go for a third belt a year from now.
I'm all for hype, but this is putting the cart wayyyy before the horse.
McGregor has yet to defend his 145-pound strap and is already moving up to the lightweight shark tank to battle Rafael dos Anjos. The Brazilian captured the crown by knocking around Anthony Pettis in early 2015, then followed that up by beating the brakes off Donald Cerrone back in December.
More on their UFC 197 showdown here.
Assuming "Notorious" can pull off the upset, he would need to vacate his featherweight title -- or make good on his responsibility to defend it against Frankie Edgar before looking ahead to welterweight, where fighters like Rory MacDonald, Johny Hendricks, and Carlos Condit await.
Anyone besides Kavanagh think he can make it happen?