Irishman Conor McGregor signs 5 fight deal with the Ultimate Fighting Championship

Irishman Conor McGregor (12-2) has signed for the Ultimate Fighting Championship and will make his debut at UFC on FUEL 9.  

UFC on Fuel 9 is set for 6th April in Stockholm, Sweden and will be headlined by Alexander Gustafsson vs Gegard Mousasi.

McGregor will face TUF veteran Marcus Brimage (6-1), who is coming off an impression decision victory over Jim Hettes at UFC 152 and was a member of Team Bisping on The Ultimate Fighter.

The SBG Ireland stand out is on a 8 fight win streak, with all 8 victories coming by either knockout or submission, including a brutal KO of Ivan Buchinger in his last outing at 155lbs which caught the attention of many of the mainstream MMA media including UFC announcer Joe Rogan.

With this victory, Conor became the first ever fighter to hold two belts in two different weight classes in Cage Warriors, a feat that the likes of Michael Bisping and Dan Hardy didn’t achieve.

McGregor will be returning to his home of 145lbs for his UFC debut.

We caught up with McGregor’s head coach John Kavanagh

“I’m very happy to confirm that Conor has signed a 5 fight deal with UFC.

“I believe it’s come at the right time in his career and we’re looking to make a serious impact in his debut in April.

“I’d like to thank everyone for their support”

Cage Warriors CEO Graham Boylan posted via Facebook congratulating Conor on the signing

“So I guess the news is now out there and the world knows our Cage Warriors two division history making IRISH champ Mr Conor McGregor is signed to the UFC.

“Congrats to both Conor and John Kavanagh they both put the hard work and hours into the sport and this is their sliver lining. Well done boys fly that tri colour for all those kids that will follow in your foot steps in years to come.”

We also spoke to Cage Warriors press officer Paul Dollery who wished McGregor luck

“Conor signed with the UFC earlier today and everyone at Cage Warriors is delighted for him. I said it on New Year’s Eve that I think he’s got the ability to go to the very top and I personally believe he’ll be one of the biggest names in Irish sport in a few years.

“As an Irishman myself it’s very pleasing to see someone like Conor getting the opportunity he deserves, but there are a few more guys not far behind as well. It’s exciting times for Irish MMA.

“Conor has given us a lot of entertainment on Cage Warriors over the past couple of years and it’s been a pleasure to witness him in action. While some promotions regret seeing their biggest stars snapped up by the UFC, for Cage Warriors it’s the ultimate recognition that we’re doing things right.

“It also opens up the possibility of some very interesting match-ups in our featherweight and lightweight divisions, which we’ll release details of very soon.

“This is a good day for everyone involved with Cage Warriors and I’d like to wish Conor, John Kavanagh and all the team the very best of luck. ”

Reported first by MMANytt.se

Photo: Cage Warriors/Dolly Clew

Check out our Conor McGregor Post-Fight at Cage Warriors 51 video