John Kavanagh, Conor McGregor’s coach, has revealed that he would fully support the possibility of McGregor fighting inside the cage with welterweight MMA champ Robbie Lawler after UFC 196. However, not all is pleased with this kind of game plan. One of them is Demian Maia. Maia, who is currently holding a record of 7-2, is in the welterweight division as of the moment.
In a recent interview, Maia said that he is hoping that he would be the one to get the shot at the title if he wins over Matt Brown this coming May 14th in Brazil. When asked about McGregor’s decision to dominate each category and get the belt each division, especially on his coveted spot, Maia said that he’s sure he would react to this issue.
“Sad, you know, because that’s crazy. We are athletes, and we work very hard in our way to the title. I understand that this fight would make a lot of money, but as an athlete, I don’t agree with that. I can’t disagree more. If you think okay, you gotta work, do a couple fights at least to prove that you can fight because it’s a different division. But, at the end of the day, I don’t think he will win against Rafael,” Maia said.
Maia does recognize the achievement that McGregor was able to get, especially after the 13-second victory over longtime MMA champion, Jose Aldo. However, Maia said that it looks like McGregor won’t be able to win over RDA, especially since the fight is already this coming March 5th.
“It’s too much weight difference. I think it’s a different body type. Rafael is very tough, he proved that in his last fights. I’m sure (Conor) has his chance, of course. He proved that against Aldo. Most people that understand the sport didn’t think he was going to win, and he did in a fashion way. It was crazy. I was shocked. I went to the corridor to watch the fight, just relax, and when the things happened I was shocked. I was really, ‘what the f—’,” he said.
At the end of it all, Maia hopes McGregor would just prefer to fight on the 155 or 145 weight division for his next MMA fight.
When asked if he will get pissed if McGregor would be able to get a shot at the welterweight title, Maia didn’t even flinch when he answered.
“Yeah, I will. I hope he doesn’t win (against dos Anjos),” he said.
Being able to win over Gunnar Nelson and Neil Magny, completing his four-fight winning streak, Maia has something to say to UFC president Dana White:
“Give me that title shot if I win. If I win that fight I wanna fight for the title. Forget about McGregor,” he said.