Between insults, Conor McGregor calls for Diego Sanchez fight in Ireland

If Diego Sanchez wants a fight with the Irish fighter, Conor McGregor said he’s willing to oblige – on his terms.

The fiery UFC fighters traded barbs on Tuesday via Twitter. When a fan asked Sanchez if he’d be willing to fight McGregor (14-2 MMA, 2-0 UFC), “The Ultimate Fighter 1? winner said his goal is to climb the ladder, something he apparently doesn’t believe he can do against “Notorious.” For his part, while calling Sanchez (24-6 MMA, 13-6 UFC) a “brain dead, stuttering fool” who’s likely to “defend shots with [his] nose,” McGregor is open to fighting the veteran.

However, Sanchez suggested they fight in March at UFC 171 in Dallas.

@TheNotoriousMMA @danawhite I'm up next in Dallas Texas in March let me know if you want to get #KTFO ? Your all talk #challengeisout

—
Diego Sanchez UFC (@DiegoSanchezUFC) November 27, 2013

@TheNotoriousMMA @danawhite see talks shit but when the challenge is laid out he crawls back into his little shell. #dallas #letsdoit

—
Diego Sanchez UFC (@DiegoSanchezUFC) November 27, 2013

Still recovering from a torn ACL this is likely to keep him out action until mid-2014, McGregor suggested they fight in his home country. And though not official, he went ahead and made an announcement.

@DiegoSanchezUFC @danawhite You brain dead, stuttering fool. Read the fine print. And put your bib on so you don't drool on my tweets.

—
Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) November 27, 2013

@DiegoSanchezUFC My comeback fight will be Dublin next year. Its a done deal. McGregor Vs Sanchez. Ireland Vs Mexico. @danawhite Lets do it.

—
Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) November 27, 2013

UFC President Dana White didn’t weigh in during the duo’s hours-long beef, and  Sanchez will likely need to take another fight while McGregor is recovering from surgery.

McGregor, a former two-division Cage Warriors champion, has won 10 consecutive fights, including two in the UFC – over featherweights Marcus Brimage and highly touted prospect Max Holloway. Sanchez, a 19-fight UFC vet, would provide another step up in competition, as well as some serious name recognition for the brash youngster, who would need to return to lightweight for the fight.

Additionally, for Sanchez, a former title challenger who’s tallied six “Fight of the Night” bonuses in his past nine fights, it could be a chance to prove he can still hang with the next generation of fighters while improving his own stock in the 155-pound division.

However, with both fighters’ desired opponents changing on a near-weekly basis, it’s too soon to tell if Sanchez vs. McGregor will ever become a reality. It’s certainly an intriguing possibility, though.

For more on the UFC’s upcoming schedule, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of the site.

(Pictured: Conor McGregor)