Jim Alers out; McGregor to fight for lightweight strap on New Year’s Eve

Photo: Dolly Clew

Cage Warriors featherweight champion Conor McGregor (11-2) has agreed to step up weight class to lightweight to face Ivan Buchinger for the 155lb belt on New Year’s Eve in Dublin, Ireland following an injury to original opponent Jim Alers.

The fight will take place in The Helix, Dublin, the very same venue that Conor McGregor thrilled the crowd in winning the 145lb strap back in June against Dave Hill, before jumping the cage to celebrate with his hometown fans.

“Notorious” McGregor is no stranger to 155lbs, having fought there in the past for Cage Warriors and other promotions.

McGregor, the reigning CWFC featherweight champion, had been due to defend the 145lbs belt for the first time against Jim Alers on the December 31 card.

However, a hand injury has now forced Alers out of the fight. It marks the second occasion the meeting of McGregor and Alers has had to be postponed. The pair were originally scheduled to clash at CWFC Fight Night 7 in Jordan back in September, but McGregor sustained a facial injury.

However, the Dublin native remains on course for a title bout in front of his hometown crowd, with the 24-year-old set to take on Buchinger for the CWFC lightweight strap.

The belt is up for grabs once again following a mutual agreement between Cage Warriors officials and previous champion Ivan Musardo, who clinched the title with a victory against Joseph Duffy over 12 months ago.

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