Title shot or Conor McGregor fight? Donald Cerrone states his preference

Donald Cerrone will return to the Octagon this Saturday, on the main card of UFC 238, where he’ll battle streaking lightweight contender Tony Ferguson in a fight that could produce the next lightweight title challenger. Earlier this year, however, Cerrone was linked to a potential showdown with former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor — a bout that many fans are still dying to see.

Speaking during a recent media scrum in Chicago, Cerrone made his preference very clear. He’s gunning for a title shot, and says Conor McGregor missed his chance.

“No (I’m going to go with the title),” Cerrone said (via MMA Junkie). “Conor’s had his shot. Sit your ass down now. (I’ll) take the belt.”

Donald Cerrone sees openings in Tony Ferguson’s style

Before any prospective title shot, Donald Cerrone will have to get by Tony Ferguson. The former interim lightweight champion is on an 11-fight win-streak, and has proven himself to be one of the most versatile finishers in the UFC. Yet Cerrone believes Ferguson’s frenetic style creates plenty of openings that can be capitalized upon.

“I think Tony’s style puts him in danger a lot, so we’ll see if he can take the punishment,” he said. “His standup (is dangerous). You can’t see his strikes coming, his punches. Him moving backwards he’s not very good, though.”

Donald Cerrone has gone 2-0 since returning to the UFC lightweight division after a prolonged stay at welterweight. His latest lightweight victories have come against ranked fighters Alexander Hernandez and Al Iaquinta, who he knocked out and defeated by decision respectively. Cerrone also won his final fight in the welterweight division, submitting Mike Perry with an armbar in the first round.

If Cerrone defeats Tony Ferguson, do you think he should get a title shot? Do you think we’ll ever see him fight Conor McGregor? Join the conversation in the comments section below.

This article first appeared on BJPENN.COM on 6/6/2019.