Dana White has been discussing all things UFC and, of course, Conor McGregor came up in conversation. Speaking to Complex, when asked the question of whether McGregor’s opponent (for his return) would be the much-hinted-at Michael Chandler.
White shut that potential fight down, saying:
“No, that was a couple of years ago. No.”
So we ask the question, if Conor McGregor isn’t fighting Michael Chandler, who is he going to fight next?
Potential Opponents for the Return of The Mac
Conor McGregor vs Jorge Masvidal
170lbs. The Notorious vs Gamebread. Why not? Two fighters who are far out of their prime, coming off long layoffs, neither man a threat for a rankings spot but two huge names. Despite a combined record of 1-7 in their last eight combined, it’s still a highly competitive fight.
The fight sells itself, but the return of two megastars tips the scales in favour of Masvidal getting the fight. With two fight night headline slots, supported by four PPV bouts, Masvidal is a guaranteed star.
Conor McGregor vs Jorge Masvidal? Sign me up.
Conor McGregor vs Nate Diaz 3
Much like the Masvidal fight, Conor McGregor vs Nate Diaz 3 makes a lot of sense. The trilogy fight sells itself, again, much like the Masvidal fight.
Diaz is a fan favourite and, it’s worth noting, is coming off a win… albeit against Tony Ferguson on a day’s notice.
The two had one of the most intense rivalries in UFC history. Diaz was the man who took the undefeated UFC record of the Irishman and caused a huge upset at UFC 196. Of course, the two men rematched and this time, McGregor narrowly got the nod in a timeless classic at UFC 202.
As we all know, it’s 1-1. Sell the trilogy bout. Bitter rivals settle the score on the White House lawn.
They Wouldn’t, Would They?
Picture this. Paddy ‘The Baddy’ Pimblett defeats Justin Gaethje at UFC 324 next weekend. Gets the interim belt wrapped around his waist and calls out the undisputed champion, Ilia Topuria. Topuria, struggling with issues outside of the octagon, he relinquishes the belt and Pimblett is upgraded to undisputed champion.
Paddy vs Conor. The Baddy vs The Notorious for the lightweight championship. Again, the fight sells itself. The two men are fantastic on the mic, both have a huge pull in both Europe and America. Ireland vs England. Two former CageWarriors champions meeting on the White House lawn…
It’s almost an impossibility, however, we can dream.
