Pearson: McGregor wouldn't be 'ranked inside the Top 10' at lightweight

Count Ross Pearson among those who doubt Conor McGregor can make a successful jump to 155.

Pearson was skeptical when asked about McGregor's proposed weight-class change.

"Obviously the media, the UFC, and everyone's going to put Conor right at the top," Pearson told The Sun. "He's the biggest payday for the company, he's the biggest draw. So he's gonna fit right in at the top (of the division). But as the fighters would say, I don't even think he'd be ranked inside the Top 10. At 155 the guys are a lot bigger, a lot more technical, a lot faster, hit a lot harder, and are just better everywhere."

Of all people, Pearson understands the difference between the UFC's lightweight and featherweight divisions: "The Real Deal" fought twice at 145 - going 1-1 - before returning to lightweight, where he holds a 9-5 record.

Despite the lukewarm appraisal of McGregor's chances, Pearson added himself to the ever-growing line of fighters willing to face the magnetic Irishman.

"It would be a good matchup for me, and it would be a good matchup for anyone inside the Top 10, so I don't think any of the 55ers are worried about him coming up," Pearson added. "I think they're excited about him coming up to fight them."