UFC star plans to 'behead' next opponent in bizarre rant

Conor McGregor's historic UFC 197 fight against Rafael dos Anjos had been official for a matter of seconds - and already the Irish superstar had delivered a stunning sledge claiming he would "behead" his "traitor" opponent.

Reigning featherweight champion McGregor will fight for dos Anjos' lightweight title belt on March 5 (US time) in Las Vegas. Victory would make him the first fighter to hold two UFC titles at the same time.

While he may be the smaller man and currently rated the underdog, McGregor took to his official social media pages to deliver an incredible sledge of dos Anjos:

"[Mr. McGregor] has chosen to dedicate this demolition job to the loyal people of Brazil and all the fans around the globe who stay true to their roots and loyal to their land," McGregor's posts said.

"Mr. McGregor has said that Rafael is a traitor to his people and vows to "behead the 'American Gringo' Rafael Dos Anjos, in the name of La Brasilia!""

McGregor appeared to be taking aim at dos Anjos for living and training in California, despite being Brazilian. McGregor also trains often in the US but lives in Dublin in his native Ireland.

McGregor, who could shatter the UFC pay-per-view buy record of 1.6 million with the fight and earn a payday north of $US8 million, added: "Mr. McGregor would like to thank the fans and the media for their patience in this decision. Mr. McGregor was still busy counting the take from his last fight."

McGregor won the undisputed featherweight title by knocking out Jose Aldo in just 13 seconds last month at UFC 194. He would have made up to $US8 million from that fight after one of the biggest PPV's in UFC history.

Dos Anjos crushed Donald Cerrone in a 66-second KO during a title defence last month.
UFC 197 will feature Holly Holm v Miesha Tate as the co-main event, in Holm's first defence of the bantamweight title she took in stunning fashion from Ronda Rousey.

- news.com.au