Tony Ferguson’s Jiu-Jitsu coach Eddie Bravo has questioned UFC lightweight champion Conor McGregor’s desire to fight the newly crowned interim lightweight champion.

The world renowned 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu founder also believes the 155lbs champion could not mentally break “El Cucuy” in a fight to unify the belts.

“It has to be Conor; it has to be. I mean, it’s either Conor or vacate. You need to defend or vacate, that’s what it’s all about “, Bravo said, speaking on this week’s Talking Brawls podcast.

“He’s got the belt; it’s the interim belt but he’s got the belt. It doesn’t look Conor wants any part of Tony. It doesn’t sound like he’s interested in him at all….he’s never been interested in Tony because he knows Tony’s mind. He knows that Tony can’t be broken mentally.”

Talk of a potential unification bout between the pair has been rife since UFC president Dana White claimed Ferguson would get his opportunity after claiming the interim title against Kevin Lee at UFC 216 card in Las Vegas.

White also said that McGregor wanted to fight before the end of the year. McGregor’s coach John Kavanagh said in a recent interview on Ireland’s Late Late show that he would prefer for McGregor to wait until March before a return to the Octagon.

Bravo says the fight has to happen but questions McGregor’s willingness to face Ferguson.

“It’s the biggest fight right now, Tony v Conor. He’s one of the top guys in the world. He’s already proven himself.”

When asked if Bravo or Ferguson had heard from the UFC about a potential fight with McGregor. Bravo replied : “No, no. Not at all. Nothing.”

Bravo says Ferguson is back in training for his next opponent, and says”El Cucuy” isn’t giving up on a potential showdown with “The Notorious”.

“He’s already training, back working on his stand up. He knows it ain’t over yet. Whoever it is that’s going to step up next. Whether is Khabib or Conor, it’s going to be one hell of a fight.”

You can listen to the full interview on this week’s Talking Brawls podcast below.

Niall & Petesy look back at Cagewarriors, preview UFC Gdansk, KSW 40, talk McGregor vs. Ferguson, your questions & more.

• Eddie Bravo joins the show at approx 37 minutes in
• Owen Roddy joins the show approx 57 minutes in
• Be sure to follow @TalkingBrawls, @NiallMcGrath4, @PetesyCarroll and @SevereMMA on Twitter.

Art by @JimDaw