Eddie Alvarez-Conor McGregor confirmed for UFC 205

Conor McGregor will take on Eddie Alvarez during UFC 205 at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Nov. 12.

Conor McGregor will take on Eddie Alvarez during UFC 205 on Nov. 12 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, UFC officials announced.

The fight will be contested at 155 pounds and will be for Alvarez's lightweight belt.

The event is UFC's first in New York since a nearly 20-year ban on mixed martial arts in the city was lifted in March.

McGregor (20–3), is the current featherweight champion and is attempting to join B.J. Penn and Randy Couture as the only fighters in UFC history to win titles in multiple weight classes. McGregor will keep his featherweight belt regardless of the outcome of the Alvarez fight.

"This is the fight the fans wanted, and I'm excited that our very first event at Madison Square Garden will be headlined by Eddie Alvarez defending the lightweight title against Conor McGregor," UFC president Dana White told ESPN. "This card has three world title fights and is the best card in UFC history."

Alvarez (28–4) last fought in July, winning the lightweight title with a first-round knockout over Rafael dos Anjos in July. McGregor scored a majority decision in his rematch with Nate Diaz at UFC 202 last month.

- Scooby Axson