Fighters already lining up to replace McGregor at UFC 200
The dust has yet to settle after UFC Featherweight Champion Connor McGregor hinted his retirement from fighting via a cryptic tweet on Wednesday morning—yet several fighters have already volunteered themselves in his stead.
READ: Conor McGregor tweets he’s to ‘retire young’; Diaz responds
The brash Irishman was supposed to headline the monumental UFC 200 card in a rematch with Nate Diaz, but UFC officials confirmed his withdrawal from the card.
Five fighters took to Twitter to pounce on a golden opportunity of lifetime, starting with recently turned lightweight and former McGregor foe, Dustin Porier.
He wrote, “I’ll fight Nate! Let me get that!!”
I’ll fight Nate! Let me get that!!
— The Diamond (@DustinPoirier) April 20, 2016
UFC veteran Diego Sanchez also joined the fray and called out his his co-Ultimate Fighter alumni, Nate Diaz. “@TheNotoriousMMA just retired @NateDiaz209 let’s give @ufc200 a real epic street fight in the cage @arielhelwani,” wrote Sanchez.
@TheNotoriousMMA just retired @NateDiaz209 let’s give @ufc 200 a real epic street fight in the cage @arielhelwani — Diego Sanchez UFC (@DiegoSanchezUFC) April 19, 2016
Even perennial featherweight contender, Cub Swanson got into the mix of things with his most recent tweet: “I’m down to scrap a southpaw at #UFC200 @danawhite.”
I’m down to scrap a southpaw at #UFC200 @danawhite
— Cub Swanson (@CubSwanson) April 20, 2016
And of course, replacement discussions wouldn’t be complete without everyone’s favorite fill-in, Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone. “Dear Dana, I’m pretty open July 9th. Have this thing June 18th in Canada. But after that I’m Game the [expletive] ON!!!”
Dear Dana, I’m pretty open July 9th. Have this thing June 18th in Canada. But after that I’m Game the Fuck ON!!! — Cowboy Cerrone (@Cowboycerrone) April 20, 2016
Light-heavyweight fighter Tom Lawler, meanwhile, used a light-hearted approach to possibly score a bout with Diaz.
If they will make it the new main event I’ll fight an actual rabid animal at UFC200. I want 1/10 of whatever Conor did.
— Tom Lawlor (@FilthyTomLawlor) April 20, 2016
I also offer to wear the McGregor tattoos and fight vs Nate Diaz if we can do a catch weight. Hell I’ll even get the ACTUAL tattoos for $$$ — Tom Lawlor (@FilthyTomLawlor) April 20, 2016
The fighters, however, might have to change plans—as Diaz also tweeted that he’s going to retire as well, just moments after McGregor’s initial post. Khristian Ibarrola,INQUIRER.net
