McGregor to face Alvarez at UFC 205 for lightweight title

UFC 205 promotional poster. Photo from UFC.com

Conor McGregor’s stock has undeniably risen over the years, and now he’ll get a shot at becoming the first fighter in UFC history to hold two titles in two weight classes simultaneously.

The reigning UFC Featherweight champion will headline the UFC’s inaugural card at Madison Square Garden in New York, in a champion versus champion superfight against lightweight kingpin Eddie Alvarez.

In addition, only Alvarez’ title will be up for grabs on Nov. 12, as confirmed by UFC President Dana White on ESPN’s SportsCenter.

McGregor’s (20-3) venture into the lightweight division was supposed to take place in March with then 155-lb champion Rafael Dos Anjos. The Brazilian, however, pulled out of the bout  and was replaced by Nate Diaz—resulting in two classic bouts with the Irishman.

Alvarez (28-4), once heralded as the best fighter outside the UFC,  shrugged off a lackluster debut against Donald Cerrone en route to impressive wins against Gilbert Melendez and Anthony Pettis.

The fight marked his first title defense, after knocking out Dos Anjos in one round last July.

UFC 205 features two more title fights, with Tyron Woodley and Stephen Thompson locking horns for the welterweight title in the co-main event,  while Joanna Jedrzejcyzk will face fellow Polish Karolina Kowalkiewicz for the women’s strawweight strap. Khristian Ibarrola