Anthony Pettis says he was offered Conor McGregor before Nate Diaz
Anthony Pettis set for his second welterweight fight when he takes on Nate Diaz, who is finally returning to the Octagon after last fighting in 2016. The two will be the co-main event of UFC 241 which is headlined by Daniel Cormier vs. Stipe Miocic 2.
However, according to “Showtime” he was offered another fight before Diaz, and that was against former featherweight and lightweight champion, Conor McGregor.
“There were some big names thrown my way,” he said on Ariel Helwani’s MMA Show. (transcript via MMA Mania). “Conor McGregor was thrown my way from Dana in August but then that didn’t happen. So I just pulled back, hung out and was training and then Nate Diaz popped up. It’s perfect.”
Even though Pettis was offered a fight against McGregor, the former lightweight champion says he would rather fight Diaz. The Stockton native has become a fan favorite, and over the years Pettis has grown to dislike Diaz. That is why “Showtime” would rather this fight than the money fight in McGregor.
“Diaz, 100 percent. I just don’t like the guy,” he said. “That’s just how it is, I am not that dude, but this is just one guy I do not like,” he said, while revealing he will start his training camp as early as next week out of pure eagerness and desire to get prepared to inflict damage on Nate.
“I am going straight to work, I can’t wait to hurt this guy. This is personal fight for me, I am going to work right away. No weight cut, simply training for a fight.”
Ultimately, Pettis is excited to throw down with Diaz in a fight that promises to bring fireworks. “Showtime” has looked good at welterweight as he is coming off of a knockout win over Stephen Thompson. All that matters is Pettis is getting the fight he wants and is looking to knock out Diaz.
