UFC Lightweight Champion Conor McGregor hasn’t competed in the Octagon since he defeated Eddie Alvarez to win the title at UFC 205.
When the Irishman does return to action, the goal for him is to legitimize the lightweight title.
“Look, I’ve got the UFC title to defend and that means something to me. I will defend that world title,” McGregor said at An Evening With Conor McGregor. “Nathan (Nate Diaz) is there. He’s trying to come in here and make all of these demands. If he starts pricing himself out of an event, I probably will defend against the person who wins this interim belt…or someone along that line to legitimize it again. I’ve already gone from the highest of the high in terms of a money fight. Now the question I always get is about defending the belt and legitimizing the sport and the rankings. Maybe now it would be a good time for me to go and do that and shut that side up.”
McGregor was last seen competing in The Money Fight, suffering a tenth round TKO loss to Floyd Mayweather.
The lightweight champion also wants to see what happens at UFC 216 before making his next move with the gold.
“Again, we’ll see what happens in the fight (next) week. I hope they make the walk. I’ve seen it so many times where they slip on the bleedin’ soap getting out of the bath,” he said.
At UFC 216, it is going to be Tony Ferguson and Kevin Lee vying for the UFC Interim Lightweight Title.
