UFC’s ‘top choice’ for New York main event is exactly what we wanted to hear

The new owners are looking to make a massive impression in the Big Apple.

When WME-IMG bought the Ultimate Fighting Championship from the Feritta brothers and Dana White, they dug deep. $4 billion deep. The sporting and talent agency giants must see huge earning potential in the UFC as they out-bid several interested parties. Last month, Conor McGregor told The MMA Hour before his UFC 202 win over Nate  Diaz that he had been approached by Ari Emanuel, the promotion's new chief executive. McGregor commented:

"[Emanuel] said 'You think you've made a lot of money now kid? We're going to make you a lot more.' "I thought 'Who the f**k is that guy?'"

The promotion's new owners are determined to make McGregor that bit richer before 2016 is out. MMA Fighting's Ariel Helwani has got word that McGregor versus Eddie Alvarez, for the lightweight belt, is the "top choice" of the brass for UFC 205 - the November 12 return to Manhattan, New York. https://twitter.com/arielhelwani/status/774285593916403713 https://twitter.com/arielhelwani/status/774286062562803713 There have been suggestions that McGregor wants to hang onto his featherweight belt a while longer before defending it against Jose Aldo in early 2017. Whether or not he gets his wish, 'The Notorious' appears to be on a collision course with recently crowned 155 lb king Alvarez. Alvarez has already dismissed the Dubliner as a serious threat to his belt. Not long after he beat Rafael Dos Anjos to claim his belt, Alvarez declared:

"I would ask Dana White to give me an easier fight like Conor McGregor. I deserve that! "I've been fighting the best guys so I would like a gimme fight. I'd more than welcome that."

Earlier this week, news broke that Donald 'Cowboy' Cerrone and Robbie Lawler are set to square off at 170 lbs. The deal is a few crossed 't's' and a couple of dotted 'i's' from being done, according to Cerrone. https://twitter.com/SportsJOE_UK/status/773926930940768256 There has also been talk of Rashad Evans taking on Tim Kennedy at UFC 205. Add Chris Weidman and Yoel Romero into the mix and we could have the card of the year. Still, you can't please everyone... Read more