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MMA

09th Feb 2019

Donald Cerrone claims he has interim title shot against Conor McGregor

Jack O'Toole

UFC Lightweight contender Donald Cerrone has said that he is set for an interim title fight with former champion Conor McGregor.

Cerrone wrote on his Twitter account that it looks like the two will fight for an interim UFC Lightweight belt this summer once McGregor’s suspension has been served for his part in a post-fight melee with Khabib Nurmagomedov following UFC 229 last October.

McGregor received a six-month suspension, backdated to the day of UFC 229, and a €50,000 (€43,750) fine by the Nevada Athletic Commission (NAC) which will permit him to fight in the Octagon again from April 6.

Lightweight champion Nurmagomedov received a a nine-month suspension and a fine of $500,000 (€437,500) for his part in the brawl but his sentence could be reduced to six months if he participates in an anti-bullying campaign in Nevada.

The fight has yet to be confirmed by the UFC, president Dana White or McGregor but Cerrone seems adamant that the bout will take place.

“It’s definitely going to be this year, this summer I think,” Cerrone said during a fan Q&A in Australia ahead of UFC 234, per MMAjunkie. “But hey, Irish, Australian, American – (expletive) root for whoever you want. I love it man. Boo, cheer.

“I’m just going to go out there and fight my ass off,” Cerrone said. “I really am. Definitely the standup – I’m going to stand and fight him. I’m not going to try to wrestle him, I’m going to (expletive) stand and give you all what you want to see.”