UFC 197 News: McGregor Camp Promises To Show Up At Fight Night; Match Against Dos Anjos Confirmed

By Miguel Vasquez, Christian Post Contributor Friday, January 15, 2016

UFC undisputed featherweight champion Conor McGregor says he is willing to take on any opponent for the scheduled March 5 main event bout for UFC 197.

This past week, multiple reports have claimed that the slated lightweight title fight between "The Notorious" and 155-pound king Rafael dos Anjos was in the brink of not pushing through due to some contract issues.

In a report by Marc Raimondi for MMA Fighting, the Irishman's striking coach Owen Roddy spoke on behalf of the 28-year old Irish fighter. According to him, McGregor will be showing up to fight on the night of March 5, whether it would be against dos Anjos or anyone else.

"All I know just from listening to Conor is that he is fighting March 5. The opponent is up in the air. It could be dos Anjos. It could be whoever. But the thing is Conor is looking to fight March 5."

"Realistically, everybody wants to see Conor, so the opponent is not really important," he continued. "I'm sure he'll be fighting March 5. So stay tuned."

After his sensational highlight reel knockout of long-time mixed martial arts featherweight world champion José Aldo at UFC 194 on December 12, McGregor immediately expressed his intent to fight for the world lightweight title, which is currently held by dos Anjos.

Initially, UFC president Dana White opposed the idea of having the Irish fighter simultaneously hold two belts at two different weight classes, but eventually gave in.

This has left former lightweight champion Frankie Edgar in disarray as he was also promised a shot at the featherweight title after his first round knockout victory over two-time title contender Chad Mendes at the Ultimate Fighter 22 Finale on December 11th.

In a follow-up report by MMA Fighting on Tuesday, it has been confirmed that the fight between dos Anjos and McGregor has been made official for UFC 197.

Also on the said card is a women's bantamweight title fight between champion Holly Holm and two-time title contender Miesha Tate.