What next for Conor McGregor?

The most anticipated fight in the history of the UFC between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor at UFC 229 ended in disaster for the Irishman after he was forced to submit halfway through the fourth round. However, the chaos that proceeded was even more unsavory than the heated exchanges in the build-up, as the Russian jumped out of the octagon and attacked a member of McGregor’s team.

All hell broke loose both outside and inside the octagon with McGregor being attacked by three members of Khabib’s team for good measure. With an investigation still going on by the Nevada Athletic Commission surrounding the events of night, it is still unclear if any charges will be brought against those involved and if Khabib will be stripped of his title and fined. With all of these questions still unanswered, the future of McGregor after his comprehensive loss is already gathering pace. Let’s find out what might be next for Conor McGregor.

Khabib Nurmagomedov

A rematch with the Russian is what most fans will want to happen, especially after the post fight chaos. That said it is tough to see the result being any different a second time around.

From the opening bell it was clear to see that the bad blood between the two fighters was genuine and that McGregor was going to struggle against an opponent that has proved he is unbeatable on the canvass.

McGregor was able to inflict some damage while on his feet, however the reality is that most of the fight he spent being mauled on the ground by the Russian.

Much will depend on the outcome of the investigation by the NASC before this rematch could become a reality.

Nate Diaz

With Diaz winning the first and McGregor the second, this looks a likely option. Their second meeting in August 2016 saw a pay-per-view record of 1.6 million, with the trilogy fight at lightweight one that would catch the imagination of fight fans around the world.

In November, Diaz steps back into the octagon for the first time since his loss to McGregor, when he takes on Dustin Poirier. During the same period Poirier has fought on six occasions which includes wins over Eddie Alvarez, Justin Gaethje, Anthony Pettis and Jim Miller.

If Diaz wants that third fight with the Irishman he needs to find a way to win this one.

Conor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz Rematch

Tony Ferguson

Ferguson was stripped of his interim title in April when he was injured days before he was supposed to take on Khabib, a decision that clearly still angers him judging by his comments ahead of his UFC 229 clash with Anthony Pettis.

His win over Pettis showcased he still has plenty of stomach for the fight in what was a brutal exchange between the two. Pettis was forced to call it a day after the second round with a broken hand and a deep cut to the head.

Again much depends on the investigation into Khabib and what the outcome is. Dana White might want to see Ferguson take on the Russian, although there will be a bigger payday for the American if he takes on McGregor.

UFC 229: Tony Ferguson & Anthony Pettis Octagon Interviews

Georges St-Pierre

Now retired, the three-time welterweight champion could be tempted back for a big money return to the octagon at 155lbs. The last time the 37-year-old fought was back in November of last year when he beat Michael Bisping to win the middleweight championship.

GSP has lost just twice in his professional career and finished off on a 13-fight winning streak. This would be a very dangerous fight for McGregor and one that could end badly for him!

Tyron Woodley

If this fight was to happen at welterweight with Woodley’s title at stake, it would ruffle a few feathers of the contenders in the division.

McGregor and his team have stressed that they would be interested, although one has to think that at 170lbs this could be a step too far.

Woodley recently defended his title against Darren Till and is expected to take on Colby Covington later this year. This means McGregor will have to fight first before he gets his chance at Woodley.

Floyd Mayweather

A rematch with Floyd Mayweather looks highly unlikely at this stage, especially with the Money Man close to signing a deal to take on Manny Pacquiao. McGregor was simply not good enough to take on Mayweather in the ring and let’s face it, the aging American will not be granted a license to fight in the octagon.

Pretty sure this is one that we can move on from.

ALL ACCESS: Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor

Paulie Malignaggi

The retired two-weight division world champion and now boxing analyst on Showtime, has been involved in a prolonged feud with McGregor since their sparring session ahead of the Irishman’s fight with Mayweather.

Malignaggi took exception to what he claimed was doctored footage of their behind closed doors sparring session which showed the former champion getting beaten up by McGregor.

The American took the opportunity of reigniting their feud after his loss to Khabib by tweeting #noballs and #quitter directed at McGregor.

If the Irishman wants to step back into the ring, then Malignaggi could be a decent start.