The world of MMA has been given a full week to process the events of UFC 257. Dustin Poirier was able to take out Conor McGregor thanks to calf kicks and vicious shots to the face. As a result, the Notorious one was forced to go back to the drawing board.
With hopes for a title shot slipping away, what’s next for Conor McGregor? While A Poirier trilogy fight is on the table, one that would make a lot of money, McGregor needs a big comeback fight. After going 1-2 since his return from a two-year absence, McGregor’s next bout should be one that can cement himself worthy of Poirier and a title shot.
Who are logical opponents for McGregor to face?
An alternative trilogy fight for McGregor
Poirier isn’t the only loss McGregor could avenge. When Conor was active and a true superstar in 2016, he fought Nate Diaz twice. Diaz submitted McGregor the first time in a fight that was announced at the last minute. The second fight was closer and had McGregor winning via majority decision. A third fight was never made.
Since the McGregor fights, Diaz has not fought as often either. Looking for big money fights, Diaz wouldn’t return until 2019. He beat Anthony Pettis via unanimous decision before losing to Jorge Masvidal via TKO at UFC 244, for the BMF Title. It was a one-sided affair.
The first fight generated 1,317,000 PPV buys while the second fight had 1,650,000 buys. Both fighters have something to prove, and a third fight could generate the more money still than the first two.
Facing a battle-tested Ferguson
The next battle that could generate massive money features two enigmas. Just imagine a world where McGregor and Tony Ferguson are playing mind games with one another before and during a fight.
Ferguson ended up getting his impressive win streak snapped by Justin Gaethje at UFC 249 back in May. It was a fight in which he suffered heavy damage to the face. It was tough to watch, but it cemented El Cucuy as one tough individual. He would return at the end of the year, losing to top contender Charles Oliveira via Unanimous Decision.
Speaking on the Weighing In podcast, McGregor expressed a desire to face Ferguson.
There are many exciting things. I don’t overlook guys that maybe had a little bit of slip in the division also because it happens in this game, McGregor stated, via The Body Lock. I look at the likes of Tony Ferguson, I still think he’s a solid fighter.
There’s a lot of things that have gone on between myself and Tony regarding the management situation over the years. I would be open to a Tony Ferguson bout also.
Ferguson has issues with McGregor dating back to their days with Paradigm. Fight fans lost out on Ferguson v. Khabib Nurmagomedov enough times. Perhaps it is time to pull the trigger on this fight before it is too late.
A rematch against a former champion in Holloway
A fight that might be getting overlooked is one against Max Holloway. The two fought one another in 2013, with McGregor winning via Unanimous Decision. Since then, Holloway has gone 15-3 while also winning the UFC featherweight title. He convincingly beat Calvin Kattar back in early January.
Calling himself the best boxer in the UFC, Holloway caught the eye of McGregor, who told The Mac Life that isn’t the case. McGregor also said he would consider fighting Holloway again if it was at lightweight.
https://twitter.com/ufc/status/1350887866151432192
“He’s (Holloway) obviously hanging around, and fair play to him, McGregor said, via MMA Junkie. “He’s definitely in the pipeline for a bout against me. I would happily rematch Max, and after a performance like that, he’s put himself right up there.
Holloway has also shown interest in a rematch. While his fight against Kattar cemented himself as a top contender again, he may have to wait. Current UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski, who beat Holloway twice, is set to defend his title against Brian Ortega. If it is unknown when Volkanovski (if he retains) would fight next; Holloway could take advantage of his fame following the UFC’s debut on ABC.
McGregor can’t waste any time
If McGregor is hoping to fight again, whether in the Octagon or the boxing ring, he must get back to his winning ways. Nurmagomedov may be retired for good, and the promotion can move on with or without McGregor. Is that what Dana White wants?
The next fight is extremely important for McGregor. It will be interesting to see how the UFC monitors this situation.
