Conor McGregor is arguably the largest star within the UFC and one of many firm’s extra marketable stars.
Although he hasn’t fought in practically three years, McGregor was shut to creating his UFC return in opposition to Michael Chandler at UFC 303 on June 29 earlier than having to withdraw because of a damaged toe.
UFC president Dana White has mentioned he needs McGregor to heal and be one hundred pc earlier than he talks about reserving him in one other struggle, however when he does return, there received’t be a scarcity of challengers ready for him.
Listed below are 5 fighters followers want to see McGregor battle earlier than he hangs up the gloves.
1. Michael Chandler
The UFC had been increase and selling the Chandler-McGregor struggle for properly over a yr, and to have it get canceled final minute because of an damage and never get rebooked can be a grave injustice to its followers.
McGregor is likely one of the pound-for-pound finest energy strikers within the UFC, and Chandler is likely one of the few fighters within the light-weight or welterweight divisions that may truly match him blow-for-blow. He’s additionally one in all a handful of men who truly current a matchup downside for the Irishman, who struggles in opposition to opponents well-versed in grappling and is a adorned wrestler.
2. Justin Gaethje
Gaethje has by no means been in a boring struggle in his life. He’s received 11 post-fight bonuses in his 13 UFC fights, and solely two of them have gone to a call. He can stand and brawl, he can take the struggle to the mat, and he’s obtained the form of knockout energy that may make McGregor suppose twice about not taking this struggle severely.
Many imagine Gaethje is essentially the most entertaining fighter within the UFC for his recklessness and willingness to face and commerce blows, and a struggle in opposition to McGregor who’s one of many craftiest strikers within the firm would probably do loopy numbers when it comes to pay-per-view buys.
3. Islam Makhachev
Former light-weight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov has at all times felt like McGregor’s white whale — the one who obtained away. The 2 fought again in October 2018 at UFC 229 — a bout Nurmagomedov received by way of fourth-round submission — and he retired simply two years later earlier than McGregor might get a rematch.
So what higher method for him to get some type of cathartic revenge than by combating Makhachev, Nurmagomedov’s protégé and pupil on the American Kickboxing Academy? Makhachev is much like Nurmagomedov in some ways — he’s obtained underrated placing and a smothering prime recreation that makes it practically inconceivable for opponents to get again up as soon as he takes them down. As a result of he’s basically Nurmagomedov 2.0, a tussle with Makhachev might be McGregor’s shot at redemption.
4. Alexander Volkanovski
Volkanovski has mentioned he’d struggle anybody, anyplace at any time. Many really feel he was robbed in his first struggle in opposition to Makhachev in February 2023 — one which many followers and media pundits imagine he ought to’ve received by resolution — and after shedding his featherweight championship to Ilia Topuria in February, maybe a welcome-back struggle in opposition to McGregor is what he must get again on monitor.
Volkanovski has a well-rounded skillset and the drive to push McGregor to his limits. He’s additionally an enormous title who’s thought of one of many prime pound-for-pound fighters within the firm, which might make for one heck of a marketable struggle, the sort that would definitely pique McGregor’s curiosity.
5. Sean O’Malley
This one would promote itself. Some have even accused O’Malley of copying McGregor due to their chest tattoos, which bear a placing resemblance, and the 2 even took some shots at one another by way of social media not that way back. So, why not allow them to settle their variations contained in the Octagon?
O’Malley is an ascending star who’s received 10 of his 12 fights within the UFC and is the reigning bantamweight champion. He’s obtained among the finest placing in his division, and he would make an ideal opponent to face and commerce with McGregor. This struggle would make an attention-grabbing stylistic matchup and McGregor wouldn’t have to fret about the specter of a takedown.