Leon Edwards does not see Conor McGregor fighting a top-three welterweight as he believes the Irish star is small for this division.
McGregor, a former two-weight champion, snapped his 15-month fighting hiatus and made a sensational Octagon return at UFC 246.
Showing he is still in top form, the Irishman finished MMA veteran Donald Cerrone just 40-seconds into the opening round of the welterweight clash to score his first win in three years.
It was also the first time McGregor fought at 170 pounds since his back-to-back showdown with Nate Diaz in 2016 and following his fourth-round submission loss to Khabib Nurmagomedov in 2018.
Awaiting for his next UFC bout, ‘The Notorious’ is being linked to a potential fight with Jorge Masvidal, who currently holds the ‘baddest motherf***er’ belt.
If the BMF title fight doesn’t materialize, there are chances he gets the next title shot and face the current welterweight champion, Kamaru Usman.
Size Matters
But for the 28-year old Edwards, staying at welterweight class would not be a good choice for McGregor as his size will be a big disadvantage for him if he goes up against elite 170-pounders.
“Size matters so much when it comes to grappling and wrestling. And he’s small,” the Brit said in an interview with Metro.
“He’s a small man and size can make a huge difference if you’re a striker jumping up a division.”
Edwards also revealed McGregor is likely to make a return to 155 pounds.
“I’ve spoken to Conor a few times. I believe he’ll move down to lightweight.”
“I can’t see him fighting for a welterweight title. Fair play to him, because he looked great against Cerrone.”
“If he does stay at welterweight, it’ll be against someone like Nate Diaz. I can’t see him fighting against a top three welterweight.”
“It’ll be someone like Khabib (Nurmagomedov) or Nate (Diaz), I think.”
Back To Lightweight
McGregor is currently awaiting his next UFC bout and the promotion is already targeting a massive fight for him at 155 pounds.
The UFC head honcho said he will be fighting the winner of Nurmagomedov vs Ferguson lightweight title fight that is scheduled this April for UFC 249.
“So Khabib and Tony will fight in Brooklyn and Conor will probably fight the winner of that fight,” White claimed in a previous appearance on The Will Cain Show.
“McGregor looks better than he’s ever looked.”
“His head’s in the right place. Mentally, physically and emotionally, he is ready to roll and I can’t wait until his next fight.”
(Featured Image Source: Instagram/ Conor McGregor and Leon Edwards)