Conor McGregor campaigning to replace injured Joe Proctor against Al Iaquinta at UFC 159

By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

An injury to Joe Proctor has left Ultimate Fighter Live finalist Al Iaquinta without an opponent for this month's UFC 159 event, according to a report from MMAJunkie.com.

The UFC is seeking a replacement to face Iaquinta, and at least one fighter has publicly thrown his name in the mix.

Fresh off a win in his UFC debut at UFC on Fuel 9 last weekend, Ireland's Conor McGregor wants to bounce right back and take this fight against Iaquinta.

@danawhite I WOULD LOVE TO TAKE THIS!!! Let me know @seanshelby @joesilva @lorenzofertitta

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) April 11, 2013

@mmajunkiejohn @aliaquinta I WOULD BE HAPPY TO STEP IN HERE @danawhite @seanshelby @lorenzofertitta LET ME KNOW!!!

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) April 11, 2013

April 27th New Jersey!!! 155lbs versus a TUF finalist!!! WHO WANTS TO SEE IT?

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) April 11, 2013

McGregor tore through Marcus Brimage in Sweden to make a splash in his UFC debut, and he's said he's comfortable fighting at 145 lbs. or 155 lbs. Given it would be his second fight in three weeks, he wouldn't have to worry about much of a weight cut in taking that fight.

The UFC hasn't announced a replacement as of yet, but with the event fast approaching they'll be looking to move quickly.

Penick's Analysis: McGregor's a gutsy man to step in on three weeks notice for any fight after having just fought. Then again, he's already shown a confidence and swagger in the cage that doesn't suggest just one fight on this big a stage. He looked great against Brimage, and if the UFC gives him this fight it will be a very intriguing test, especially given the situation surrounding it.


(Attention MMATorch app users: Make sure to upgrade to the latest edition of the MMATorch app on your iPhone, iPad, or Android device!)

-Follow Us on Twitter: CLICK HERE
-Like Us on Facebook: CLICK HERE
-Listen to our Weekly Podcast: CLICK HERE
-Subscribe to our Podcast in iTunes: CLICK HERE
-Get our Free iPhone App: CLICK HERE
-Get our Free Amazon Kindle App: CLICK HERE
-Get our Free Android App: CLICK HERE

Source: http://www.mmatorch.com/artman2/publish/Injuries/article_16430.shtml

Wagnney Fabiano Kevin Kimbo Slice Ferguson Paulo Filho Mirko Cro Cop Filipović Luiz Buscapé Firmino