McGregor Responds to Alvarez, Khabib and Dana with Two Simple Words

UFC 205, which will go down inside Madison Square Garden on November 12, is still without an official main event. Last night, that appeared to be changing, as a series of Tweets from UFC lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez seemed to confirm that his long rumored scrap with featherweight title holder Conor McGregor would headline the card.

First, the lightweight champ implored McGregor to enjoy his superstardom while it lasted.

Let's do this @TheNotoriousMMA I'm ready !! Your futures not bright enjoy this one while it last . #ItsAllOver

— Eddie Alvarez (@Ealvarezfight) September 21, 2016

Next, he promised to end McGregor’s “illusion of greatness” at UFC 205, which seemed to all but confirm that the long discussed mega fight was a go.

The illusion of Greatness will soon be Over. It's time for Truth ! GN guys I have an early morning #ufc205 #eafight #thnq #phillyfighter

— Eddie Alvarez (@Ealvarezfight) September 21, 2016

When McGregor’s head coach John Kavanagh retweeted Alvarez’s Tweets, and offered up a mysterious Tweet of his own, fans had even more reason to be optimistic that the lightweight and featherweight champs had finally been booked to headline UFC 205.

I don't sleep. I wait.

— Coach JK (@John_Kavanagh) September 21, 2016

Unfortunately, however, this optimism was abruptly stamped out, as UFC President Dana White joined the Twitter tumult to suggest that Alvarez would be fighting undefeated contender Khabib Nurmagomedov – not McGregor.

not true it's @TeamKhabib

— danawhite (@danawhite) September 21, 2016

In the subsequent moments, Nurmagomedov himself jumped into the discussion, first calling Alvarez and McGregor “chickens,” then echoing White’s statement, explaining that he was just waiting for Alvarez to sign the bout agreement. He also thanked Dana White for a “very generous birthday gift,” which seemed to suggest that rankings had trumped the promise of a spike in pay-per-view sales, and that he’d’ been given the title shot over McGregor.

Everyone know who is the real Eagle you're both bunch of chicken your daddy @danawhite protect you One of you going to be my food soon 🔪🔪🔪🔪 https://t.co/ZPvICQWGi4

— khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) September 21, 2016

Me and Dana just waiting for Eddie to sign. I promise I will finish you fast and with no pain. https://t.co/4Zv9j8xejZ

— khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) September 21, 2016

I hag a very generous birthday gift today. Thanks @danawhite @ufc #ufclightweightchamp2016 #inshaAllah

— khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) September 21, 2016

Of course, there is clearly one key player missing from this Alvarez-McGregor-White-Nurmagomedov Twitter scuffle, and that’s McGregor. The Irish champion was as quiet as a mouse as all this madness unfolded last night.

Early Wednesday morning, that changed, as McGregor took to Twitter with a succinct response to the whole exchange. “Beg me,” he said.

Beg me

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) September 21, 2016

Who exactly McGregor’s response is directed at is not exactly clear. It could be Alvarez who, despite being a champion, is nowhere near the star McGregor is. It could be White and the UFC, who have butted heads with McGregor on issues of payment and promotion in the past.

Regardless, it appears that the plug has been pulled on our long-discussed Alvarez-McGregor showdown, and that the lightweight title shot has instead been awarded to Nurmagomedov. This, in turn, suggests that McGregor will probably return to the featherweight division to defend his title against interim champ and former foe Jose Aldo.

Of course, when it comes to the Irish superstar, things are rarely as they seem. Stay tuned to BJPenn.com for updates on this Alvarez-Nurmagomedov-McGregor violence triangle as the details continue to emerge.

Who do you want to headline UFC 205? Sound off, PENN nation!