Reebok’s Conor McGregor Without UFC 196 Opponent

Conor McGregor sought to hold belts in two different weight classes, but the featherweight champion’s title shot against UFC lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos has been put on hold, with dos Anjos withdrawing due to an injury.

The outspoken Reebok-sponsored athlete’s name has been attached to a pair of lightweights since dos Anjos’ broken foot announcement today, with multiple reports stating Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone and Anthony “Showtime” Pettis are interested in fighting the star. Pettis took to Twitter confirming his eagerness to challenge the Irish fighter nicknamed “The Notorious.”

@Showtimepettis said put me in coach @ufc @danawhite @lorenzofertitta

— Coach Duke Roufus (@dukeroufus) February 23, 2016

I’m down to throw down!!! @dukeroufus @ufc @danawhite @lorenzofertitta

— Anthony Pettis (@Showtimepettis) February 23, 2016

Cerrone, who suffered a first-round knockout loss to dos Anjos at UFC Fight Night 2 in December, is coming off a win last Sunday over Alex Oliveira. Pettis, who lost to dos Anjos at UFC 185 in March, is coming off a loss to Eddie Alvarez in January at UFC Fight Night.

McGregor defeated former featherweight champion José Aldo at UFC 194 in December via first round knockout. Multiple reports have stated that Aldo was granted the opportunity for a rematch in place of dos Anjos, but he declined due to lack of time to prepare.

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Footwear News spoke with McGregor in June when Reebok revealed the UFC Fight Kit, and the fighter revealed that he had been training for the fight in the brand’s ZPump Fusion.

“I’ve been doing my runs in the Las Vegas heat, and they have been very good, very comfortable,” he said.