The rumours are true.
Conor McGregor will move up to the lightweight division with a blockbuster title fight against champion Rafael dos Anjos at UFC 197.
UFC have today announced McGregor will attempt to become the first fighter ever to hold two title belts simultaneously when he squares off against the Brazilian champion on March 6.
There were loud whispers in the industry last week that this dream card would become a reality, and UFC fans will be salivating at the prospect of the two title-holders squaring off.
Both are at the peak of their powers, McGregor coming off his stunning 13-second knockout of Jose Aldo, and dos Anjos dismantling Donald Cerrone last month in the early stages of the first round.
Dos Anjos is currently the bookies’ favourite, but that’s unlikely to phase the loud-mouthed Irishman who’s made a career out of being the underdog.
Boom! ??
3.5.16
#UFC197: @TheNotoriousMMA vs @RdosAnjosMMA /@HollyHolm vs @MieshaTate
https://t.co/FfmTWr96Z7 pic.twitter.com/pb7FYJpmRM
— UFC (@ufc) January 12, 2016
On top of this, Holly Holm will defend her bantamweight title for the first time when she faces Miesha Tate on the same night.
Holm shocked the world when she knocked out the then-undefeated Ronda Rousey back in November.
Tate was originally in line to face Rousey at UFC 193, but Holm got the nod instead.
The America MMA fighter will now get her second shot at the title after previously losing to Rousey in 2013.
UFC 197 will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on March 5 (March 6 AEDT).
OFFICIAL FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENT:Conor McGregor Vs Rafael Dos Anjos for the UFC Lightweight World Championship.March 5th….
Posted by Conor McGregor on Tuesday, 12 January 2016
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