Five Opponents Who ‘Should’ Bring Conor McGregor Back To Fighting

Although Conor McGregor hasn’t entered the Octagon since November 2016 when he stopped Eddie Alvarez at UFC 205 to become the UFC’s lightweight champion, he remains one of the hottest topics in combat sports.

Unfortunately, it’s becoming because of his beleaguered inactivity in favor of flaunting his newfound wealth.

After dethroning Alvarez, McGregor campaigned for and eventually landed a boxing match against unbeaten former multi-division world champion Floyd Mayweather. The fight, which took place on Aug. 26, 2017, ended up being one of the most lucrative fights of all-time, although McGregor ended up losing via TKO in the 10th round.

Now, his fighting future is highly unclear.

Some feel the Irishman will never return to competition, but he has, at times, showed interest in doing so – if only for a farcical rematch.

With that being said, it’s anyone’s guess as to whether or not McGregor will return, but let’s take a look at five opponents who ‘should’ draw the “Notorious” one back to fight again:

5) Tony Ferguson

At this point, Tony Ferguson is the interim lightweight champion, we think.

At UFC 223, set for April 7, 2018, from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, Ferguson will take on undefeated lightweight contender Khabib Nurmagomedov for what UFC President Dana White has labeled the true lightweight championship, although McGregor has yet to be stripped, which is where the confusion stems.

Either way, if McGregor would like to remain champion, he’ll have to defend his belt eventually, and if Ferguson beats Nurmagomedov, that’ll be the fight to make.

However, I don’t see Ferguson being on top of McGregor’s wish list when it comes to opponents.

First off, despite the fact that he’s riding an incredible win streak, Ferguson hasn’t transcended into a being star for whatever reason, and although a fight involving McGregor will sell regardless, he typically chases only big names and big opportunities, especially at this point.

Also, Ferguson appears to represent a bad stylistic match-up for “The Notorious.” He possesses awkward and unorthodox striking, elite level grappling, and endless cardio.

Grappling and cardio have always seemed to be McGregor’s Achilles’ heel in the Octagon.

If and when he decides to return, McGregor may be forced to defend his title against Ferguson, but I just don’t think “El Cucuy” is the type of opponent that will get the Irishman’s competitive juices flowing.

If he were truly interested in being an all-time great champion, the fight certainly should, however.

4) Khabib Nurmagomedov

Like Ferguson, many would argue that Nurmagomedov would be a terrible stylistic match-up for McGregor due to his world-class wrestling and grappling pedigree.

However, I also feel as if he would be a more appealing opponent for the Irish star.

First off, “The Eagle” seems to have a bigger profile than Ferguson. He’s been much less active, but when he fights, people take notice. He also has the country of Russia behind him, and although it’d be a daunting task, it would be a massive event if McGregor were to take on Nurmagomedov in Russia, which is a market the UFC is looking to break into.

Also, Nurmagomedov, despite gradually improving his striking over the years, has proven to be hittable at times on the feet.

And the striking department is where McGregor excels, so it wouldn’t be surprising to hear that the Irishman feels he could knock out “The Eagle.”

Another potentially huge bout, but not one that appears likely to happen anytime soon to the disappointment of hardcore MMA fans everywhere.

3) Tyron Woodley

After winning the lightweight title at UFC 205, McGregor became the first fighter in promotional history to simultaneously hold two titles at one time given that he was also the featherweight champion at the time.

Prior to UFC 205, however, McGregor discussed the possibility of chasing a third title in a different division, and he even had a minor brush-up with 170-pound champion Tyron Woodley to plant the seed for that possibility.

Always in search of big money and big fights, the opportunity to add another title to his collection would likely appeal to the Irishman.

Although McGregor has competed at welterweight a few times, Woodley is the much larger fighter, and given his decorated wrestling background and tremendous punching power, he’d be a highly difficult test for the “Notorious” one.

However, I’d have to assume it’d be a test McGregor would be open to.

2) Nate Diaz

Obviously, McGregor has a ton of options for his potential return to combat sports, and he’s often discussed his unfinished business with rival Diaz.

The two first met at UFC 196 in March 2016 when Diaz infamously submitted McGregor in the second round. Then, obsessed with a rematch, McGregor exacted his revenge at UFC 202 in August of that year, scoring a majority decision victory over the Stockton native.

Given the fact that they possess one of the deepest and most iconic rivalries in the history of the sport, a trilogy fight between McGregor and Diaz would be massive.

Very few opponents could provide the Irishman with a more lucrative fight in the Octagon, especially if the lightweight title is on the line, and McGregor likely wants to put a stamp on the feud and settle the score.

1) Floyd Mayweather

Although I feel as if the majority of combat sports fans are a bit tired of the back-and-forth between Mayweather and McGregor, the two rivals continue to trade barbs on social media and the banter continues to receive a ton of attention.

After coming up short against “Money” in the squared circle last August, McGregor has repeatedly said that he feels as if he’d get the better of Mayweather if the two were to do it again.

Also, Mayweather has constantly teased a jump into mixed martial arts to take on McGregor in his own game, although I simply can’t see that happening.

Either way, Mayweather remains the most lucrative option for McGregor.

It was reported that he made $100 million for the first fight, and he’d likely make much more if the two were to run it back in the UFC.

Whether it be in the boxing ring, where McGregor would get the chance to seek the revenge he so badly wants, or in the Octagon, where he would be an astronomical favorite, the Irishman is most likely to return for a re-do with Mayweather.

It’s certainly not the preferred outcome for UFC fans, yetit may be the only match-up McGregor will come back for at this point.