News, views and top stories in your inbox. Don't miss our must-read newsletter Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Anthony Pettis and Eddie Alvarez have offered their opinion on Conor McGregor's step up in weight class from the featherweight division to the lightweight division.

McGregor is set to fight lightweight world champion Rafael dos Anjos at UFC 197 in March, with confirmation of that bout expected imminently.

Alvarez and Pettis, who already fight in the 155lbs lightweight division, were both asked about their thoughts on McGregor getting a world title shot before either of them, despite having never fought in the lightweight category.

Pettis said: "Honestly, I haven't even thought about it. I'm just thinking about the next fight. I've got Eddie Alvarez in front of me and whatever happens after that is based on what I do in this fight so I'm 100% focused on what is in front of me."

(Image: Getty)

Alvarez, however, was more vocal with his view on the matter, adding: "It seems to me that right now Conor is able to make his own decisions and there is nothing that anybody on this conference call can do about that.

"I can either cry and whine about it or I can just deal with what is in front of me right now."

Alvarez also suggested that McGregor might be ducking a fight with featherweight Frankie Edgar.

Alvarez said: "I do think it's convenient that there is one guy left, the elephant in the room Frankie Edgar, and he decides to do something different other than stay in that weight class and fight then next guy who is entitled to that shot."

"You know, good for him," Alvarez sarcastically added.

(Image: Getty)

Pettis and Alvarez were then pressed on whether or not they are pleased to see McGregor move into the lightweight division.

Former UFC lightweight champion Pettis said: "Well I guess I was going to move down to 145lbs and fight Jose Aldo when I was number one contender so I guess a champ coming up to fight a champion makes sense.

"I feel like the lightweight division has always been marketable. We've had some great champions, some great guys that have come out of the division and it's not just based on talk, it's based on performance.

"The 145lbs division was one that was dominated by Aldo for a long time so if you got a guy that comes in there and takes out Aldo and wants to move up a weight class, we are all going to want to watch it so I welcome it.

"I hope he stays and we see how good he really is."

(Image: Zuffa LLC via Getty)

Alvarez added: "Anything or anybody who brings more money to the division or more money to the sport is a good thing. It's hard for me to say anything bad about it.

"Regardless of whether people think he deserves it, the truth is that when one fighter gets paid more it's good for all of us, every single one of us. I'm happy that he brings the marketability to the division and it's not up to me to say what he deserves or what he doesn't.

"Our bosses make that decision no matter how we perform out there so I'm happy to see money coming in."

Pettis and Alvarez will face off at UFC Fight Night at the TD Garden in Boston on January 17th, with the winner likely to improve his chances of a world title shot.