What next for Conor McGregor:
On Saturday night, Dublin born 'The Notorious' Conor McGregor made history, and to the watchful eye, it looked as easy as can be. McGregor claimed a vicious second round KO over reigning Lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez, thus becoming the first man in UFC history to hold two titles in two different weight classes simultaneously. McGregor dropped Alvarez 3 times in the first round, clipping Eddie every time the American came in to engage. It was more of the same in the second with McGregor stuffing takedown attempts from the Philly native, before disengaging from a clinch, and moments later sending the former Bellator Lightweight champ to the ground for a 4th time forcing referee 'Big' John McCarthy to intervene. So what lies next for the Featherweight and Lightweight champion?
Lightweight title defence against Khabib Nurmagomedov or Tony Ferguson: This would seem the most likely next step for the Crumlin born fighter. With Tony Ferguson looking phenomenal against former champ Rafael Dos Anjos in his last bout, and Nurmagomedov looking almost flawless against Michael 'The Menace' Johnson, on his way to a third round kimura finish. The unorthodox striking and submission game of 'El Cucuy' may prove to be troublesome for the Irishman if the fight were to go to the ground, but a title defence against 'The Eagle' would most certainly be McGregor's most difficult matchup at Lightweight, or any weight infact. An expert Sambo practitioner, Khabib moved to 24-0 on Saturday at UFC 205, constantly taking down Johnson throughout each round. One question was left unanswered on Saturday though, what would have happened if Johnson continued to punish Nurmagomedov after hurting the Dagestan man in the first round as he was subsequently taken down.
Lightweight title defence against Nate Diaz: What a way to close out the trilogy. With the pair 1-1 over their two bout battle, a third fight with the prestigious Lightweight strap on the line, would be an unforgettable way to close out a fantastic rivalry. Diaz made it clear in his UFC 202 post fight interview that he had no intentions of returning until he was matched up with McGregor, and further rumours were spiralling when both Nick and Nate were spotted leaving Conor McGregor's UFC 205 after party. Was Nate there seeking a title fight, or was Nick throwing his name in the hat for a Welterweight contest. Time will tell.
Tyron Woodley Welterweight wish: Arguably McGregor's most dangerous next career choice, in terms of image and brand, a third title tilt would be something of folklore and fantasy in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Woodley possesses some of the fastest and most powerful hands in all of MMA, so as the St Louis native told, McGregor better "pack a lunch" if a 170lb title push is on his mind. Woodley retained his Welterweight title on Saturday night, after a majority draw decision, but looked incredible especially in the fourth round, when he dropped 'Wonderboy' Thompson atleast twice, before Thompson somehow escaped from what seemed an eternity of a guillotine, nervertheless a scary preformance from 'The Chosen One'
Featherweight title defence against Jose Aldo, Max Holloway or Anthony Pettis: One of the most unlikely next steps for McGregor, would be a weight sucking 145lbs title defence. Constantly, the SBG fighter has told how the idea of an Aldo rematch just doesn't "excite" him. How about a title match between the winner of the upcoming Holloway and Pettis encounter at UFC 206? A rematch against a much improved, more experienced and deadlier Holloway would be intriguing, or a dream matchup for the ages between former champ Anthony 'Showtime' Pettis.
Floyd Mayweather boxing match: Another dangerous path for McGregor to go down. He could shock the entire would and become the 1 in what is Mayweather's perfect 49-0, or he could be completely outclassed and have his career ruined on Mayweather's way to 50-0. There has been recent talk of a matchup between the two biggest draws in their respective sports, with Chael Sonnen telling of how there have been rumours of McGregor seeking the bout. Pick your poison.
Retirement: Not the most unlikely next step for 'The Notorious' one, particularly with a baby on the way in May. He holds every record in the game, he may just want to hold that son or daughter instead.
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Lightweight title defence against Khabib Nurmagomedov or Tony Ferguson: This would seem the most likely next step for the Crumlin born fighter. With Tony Ferguson looking phenomenal against former champ Rafael Dos Anjos in his last bout, and Nurmagomedov looking almost flawless against Michael 'The Menace' Johnson, on his way to a third round kimura finish. The unorthodox striking and submission game of 'El Cucuy' may prove to be troublesome for the Irishman if the fight were to go to the ground, but a title defence against 'The Eagle' would most certainly be McGregor's most difficult matchup at Lightweight, or any weight infact. An expert Sambo practitioner, Khabib moved to 24-0 on Saturday at UFC 205, constantly taking down Johnson throughout each round. One question was left unanswered on Saturday though, what would have happened if Johnson continued to punish Nurmagomedov after hurting the Dagestan man in the first round as he was subsequently taken down.
Lightweight title defence against Nate Diaz: What a way to close out the trilogy. With the pair 1-1 over their two bout battle, a third fight with the prestigious Lightweight strap on the line, would be an unforgettable way to close out a fantastic rivalry. Diaz made it clear in his UFC 202 post fight interview that he had no intentions of returning until he was matched up with McGregor, and further rumours were spiralling when both Nick and Nate were spotted leaving Conor McGregor's UFC 205 after party. Was Nate there seeking a title fight, or was Nick throwing his name in the hat for a Welterweight contest. Time will tell.
Tyron Woodley Welterweight wish: Arguably McGregor's most dangerous next career choice, in terms of image and brand, a third title tilt would be something of folklore and fantasy in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Woodley possesses some of the fastest and most powerful hands in all of MMA, so as the St Louis native told, McGregor better "pack a lunch" if a 170lb title push is on his mind. Woodley retained his Welterweight title on Saturday night, after a majority draw decision, but looked incredible especially in the fourth round, when he dropped 'Wonderboy' Thompson atleast twice, before Thompson somehow escaped from what seemed an eternity of a guillotine, nervertheless a scary preformance from 'The Chosen One'
Featherweight title defence against Jose Aldo, Max Holloway or Anthony Pettis: One of the most unlikely next steps for McGregor, would be a weight sucking 145lbs title defence. Constantly, the SBG fighter has told how the idea of an Aldo rematch just doesn't "excite" him. How about a title match between the winner of the upcoming Holloway and Pettis encounter at UFC 206? A rematch against a much improved, more experienced and deadlier Holloway would be intriguing, or a dream matchup for the ages between former champ Anthony 'Showtime' Pettis.
Floyd Mayweather boxing match: Another dangerous path for McGregor to go down. He could shock the entire would and become the 1 in what is Mayweather's perfect 49-0, or he could be completely outclassed and have his career ruined on Mayweather's way to 50-0. There has been recent talk of a matchup between the two biggest draws in their respective sports, with Chael Sonnen telling of how there have been rumours of McGregor seeking the bout. Pick your poison.
Retirement: Not the most unlikely next step for 'The Notorious' one, particularly with a baby on the way in May. He holds every record in the game, he may just want to hold that son or daughter instead.
Please like, comment and follow for daily UFC news and opinions.
Requests:markeyross198.RM@gmail.com
Ross
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