18 March 2023 , 22:34
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Conor McGregor was absent from UFC 286 in London despite hinting he would be there to watch Leon Edwards and Kamaru Usman’s welterweight title fight.
The UFC legend was expected to attend The O2 arena event to possibly call out the winner of Edwards and Usman’s title clash, but he failed to show up on Saturday evening. UFC president Dana White had confirmed they were saving a cage side seat for McGregor in their VIP section but that space was never filled.
McGregor had attended a St Patrick’s Day parade in Savannah, Georgia on Friday afternoon which meant he would have needed to jump straight on a plane to make the London event in time. In a recent interview, Notorious’ suggested that he will attend Edwards' clash with Usman on Saturday to size up his potential rivals.
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"I'd like a welterweight title shot," McGregor said during an appearance on The MMA Hour. "So I would like that. I am definitely ready for 170lb. "I'd like to see myself in there again and see what happens with that division. I'd like to get in and see what's going on in there.
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“I may be present for the card [Edwards v Usman 3], we are making moves at the Black Forge in London, so I was scheduled to go out there so after this, Gunni’s (Gunnar Nelson) also on the card so it would be good to see him live. It would be good to watch that welterweight title for sure.”
Conor McGregor failed to show up at UFC 286 in London (AP)McGregor has claimed on multiple occasions that his comeback fight later this year against Michael Chandler will take place at 170lb. despite his opponent competing at lightweight for most of his career. Both Edwards and Usman welcomed a potential fight against the Irishman, who would become the first UFC fighter to win belts in three weight classes if he can claim the welterweight title.
"As the king, I'll welcome all challengers. So whoever comes can get it." Edwards said of facing McGregor. Usman was also asked about facing McGregor if he gets past Edwards, to which he replied: "I've always said I'll welcome it, so if it happens it happens." Despite McGregor not being ranked at welterweight, Edwards thinks the Irishman's star power would warrant him a title shot at the weight class with just one win.