What’s next for Conor McGregor?
The fight was rumored for so long and when it was signed and sealed, the hype surrounding it was huge. Both Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather were ready to go toe to toe in the ring, which was to be McGregor’s first ever professional boxing bout. The UFC star talked the talk in the build-up, but came up a long way short as expected as Mayweather eased to victory. So what and who is next for the Irishman who was stopped by Mayweather in the boxing ring? Back to the UFC?
Many are expecting him to make a very quick return to action but this time in the more familiar octagon. This could be held up though, after he received a two-month ban after Floyd Mayweather stopped him with a TKO in their cross combat sport bout. This could work in McGregor’s favor as he looks to line up his next opponent in the UFC and sets about preparing for the return to his favourite combat competition.
According to sports betting operator Unibet, one real possibility for McGregor’s next move would to take on Nate Diaz for the third time. The two have built up a rivalry over recent times, often taunting each other through the media and McGregor will be keen to avenge his defeat to Diaz at UFC 196. Diaz withstood early damage from the Irishman before locking in a choke hold that saw McGregor submit. McGregor immediately called for a rematch and this is his most likely next move.
McGregor is more than likely going to head back to the UFC, but he hasn’t ruled out another professional boxing bout; even though he was soundly beaten by Floyd Mayweather. He has repeatedly claimed that if anyone wanted to fight him that he would consider it so many have suggested he may well return to the ring in the future. One opponent that many would like to see McGregor face off against is Paulie Malignaggi. This is after the American and McGregor seemingly were involved in a Twitter spat after Malignaggi left McGregor’s training camp.
A boxing return is unlikely right now though, and the UFC seems to be the best bet as the most likely destination for McGregor as he looks to get back to winning ways. He also has the option of potentially facing the interim lightweight champion but it would need to make financial sense for the UFC, and Dana White has so far suggested that the bout may never get the go ahead.
Whatever happens, McGregor will be back and you’d expect him to be back to his best too. He will have plenty of offers on the table in the UFC and you’d probably imagine there are a few boxers out there who would be looking to fight him too. You’d expect him to make his next move in the same style as always, putting on a show for his fans both prior to, during and after. He is after all one of the biggest showmen around.
