Against Conor McGregor, UFC Lincoln's James Vick Says He'd Win 'Pretty Easily'

UFC lightweight contender James Vick believes he would "beat the brakes off" Conor McGregor if they were to ever meet in the octagon.

Vick stepped in for Al Iaquinta nearly two months ago to face Justin Gaethje in what will serve as the headliner for UFC Lincoln, which takes place Saturday night at the Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska.

It's a big fight for "The Texecutioner" as Gaethje is the highest-ranked opponent (7) he will face to date. Currently holding a four-fight win streak with just one loss in his nine UFC fights, Vick, currently ranked 10th, has repeatedly expressed his frustration at fighters ranked higher dodging fights against him.

But a win over the ever-entertaining Gaethje could set him up for a future fight with a top five contender. And with McGregor returning to the octagon for the first time in nearly two years when he takes on lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 229 in October, Vick may even be facing the Irishman in the future if circumstances align right for him. And should that happen, the 31-year-old only sees one winner in such a contest.

"In my mind, I’m six inches taller than the guy, I’ve got a five inch reach advantage. I’d beat the brakes off Conor McGregor, in my mind," Vick told Fanatics Views, as quoted on MMA Mania. "I’d love to take the fight, I’d love to fight him not just for the money, but to beat a guy with a name like that, you’d go down in history as well."

"And I really think that I can win that fight pretty easily, I really do. With my range and movements, I win that fight pretty easy."

That's not to say that Vick doesn't like McGregor though. Unlike many in the lightweight division, Vick is actually a fan of the 29-year-old and is appreciative of what he's done for the sport and his fellow fighters.

"A lot of people hate on Conor McGregor, I think he’s phenomenal for the sport," Vick explained. "He’s brought attention and media coverage to our sport that we wouldn’t get from other avenues. He has different companies that wouldn’t be interested in MMA all of a sudden very interested in MMA and the UFC."

"So I love the fact that he’s in the UFC and love the fact that he’s in my weight class. And I would love to fight him, it would change my life. He’s a great fighter, he’s very good for the sport."

Meanwhile, former interim lightweight champion Tony Ferguson is slated to return at UFC 229 as he will reportedly take on Anthony Pettis. A win for Ferguson would more than likely guarantee him getting the next crack at the title.

Should Vick defeat Gaethje, an ideal next opponent for him could either be the No. 5 ranked Kevin Lee or the No. 4 ranked Eddie Alvarez, both of whom do not currently have a scheduled opponent in the near future.