Many of the contenders in the UFC’s lightweight division are growing rather tiresome of waiting for the UFC lightweight champion to make his octagon return. Rather than allow Conor McGregor to continue to hold the title hostage as the fighter pursues other interests, some fighters are wishing for the belt to be vacated. Now it would appear that another contender has come forward to voice their thoughts on the matter.
UFC lightweight champion Conor McGregor has yet to defend a UFC title. “Notorious” was forced to vacate his featherweight belt after earning his lightweight title. However, the fighter quickly took time away from the octagon after earning the lightweight belt to pursue his debut in the sport of boxing. Now UFC lightweight contenders are hungry for another shot at the title.
Among them, Edson Barboza is set to face off against Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 219. As far as Barboza is concerned, their fight should be for the next man to compete for the title held by interim champion Tony Ferguson.
In fact Barboza told Brazilian media outlet Combate, that he he does not see McGregor as the champion.
“I’m number three in the rankings and I see Tony Ferguson as the actual champion. I always make this very clear. It doesn’t matter whether or not Conor McGregor comes back. I don’t know if he is coming back or not and I don’t care. All I hope for is that whoever wins my fight with Khabib, becomes the next one to fight Ferguson for the belt.”
