Conor McGregor has been issued a direct challenge by Paddy Pimblett, the UFC`s latest sensation.
Pimblett, a British fighter, rose to prominence last Sunday morning at UFC 314 in Miami, during the co-main event.
The 30-year-old fighter achieved a career-defining victory by defeating fan-favorite Michael Chandler in the fourth round via TKO, positioning himself as a potential lightweight title contender.
McGregor, a former two-division champion, lost a $500,000 bet he placed on Chandler, as he had expressed interest in facing the winner of this match.
Following his victory over Chandler, Pimblett was quick to criticize McGregor.
He stated, “To be honest, I completely forgot about Ilia Topuria. If I had remembered, I would have mentioned him in the octagon.”
“I genuinely forgot about him; he`s that insignificant. I currently hold a higher lightweight ranking than him.”
“I would gladly welcome McGregor to the 155lb division, but it seems he`s waiting on the sidelines for a title opportunity.”
“My victory over Chandler provides a partial strategy to defeat McGregor, who is even smaller in stature. I`m confident I would replicate my success against Ilia.”
“As I`ve said, I`m ready for anyone, any of the names mentioned.”
“Even McGregor`s bet against me, placing money on Chandler to win, is surprising. Considering the Irish-Scouse connection, you`d expect him to support me, but he didn`t.”
“If he wants a fight, he can have one too. I didn’t expect him to bet against me; I thought he would back me instead of Chandler.”
McGregor has surprisingly not yet commented on Pimblett`s dominant win over Chandler, who has now suffered his third consecutive loss.
McGregor has been absent from the octagon since fracturing his left leg in his third fight against Dustin Poirier nearly four years ago.
Last month, McGregor suggested he might retire, indicating contentment with his career.
However, he recently reversed his stance, publicly targeting a fight against the winner of the Chandler vs Pimblett match.
