After the recent controversy surrounding UFC 223 that put McGregor back in the headlines there’s only one question I care about, who is he going to fight next? With his Lightweight belt stripped and handed over to the Russian bear Khabib Nurmagomedov who won it on Saturday in a dominant performance against Al Iaquinta and his Featherweight belt having been stripped and handed over to Max Holloway back in June last year, what’s next for the beltless Irishman?
According to Dana White before the ‘bus incident’ they were apparently planning a fight with Rafael Dos Anjos for an Interim title in the Welterweight division, which makes sense given McGregor’s onward and upward attitude, as Holloway puts it, he’s the type of guy who’s always looking over the fence. I imagine adding a third belt to his repertoire would be enticing to him, fight RDA, then fight Woodley. Given recent events it’s understandable why that’s probably, at least for the moment, on hold.
Nate Diaz is always an option, a third fight with Diaz would complete the trilogy and give closure to the rivalry. Diaz is a fan favourite and it would without a doubt be an exciting fight. As far as I’m concerned there’s absolutely no rush here, if anything I’d personally like to see this as McGregor’s retirement fight, or perhaps Nate’s retirement fight, either way, I don’t think this will be next and I’m glad, I’d much prefer to see both fighters fight anyone else for the moment.
Floyd Mayweather, again, there’s no rush for this fight, not for me at least, would I like to see it? Hell yeah, it will probably be our last chance to see Mayweather get knocked out and if he steps into the Octagon that is definitely what will happen, especially under MMA rules. I hope this isn’t McGregor’s next fight though, it’s not something I’m particularly interested to watch right now, especially with our next, and probably most likely candidate.
Khabib Nurmagomedov, the undefeated Dagestani bear wrestler and recently crowned king of the Lightweight division in the UFC. In my opinion, this is the only fight to make! Especially with all the controversy recently, it has to be done, McGregor v Nurmagomedov. I give the edge to McGregor, Khabib eats shots and McGregor obviously hits hard but if the fight goes to the floor, well, it won’t be good for McGregor. I hope that’s the next fight and after the past few days it’s hard to imagine it won’t be.
Who do you want to see Conor McGregor fight next?