Joe Rogan says Conor McGregor needs a "tune-up" fight before Kamaru Usman - here are 5 potential opponents
UFC commentator Joe Rogan recently suggested that Conor McGregor consider taking a "tune-up" fight on his imminent return to the octagon instead of directly fighting Kamaru Usman for the UFC Welterweight Championship.
In his next fight, McGregor claimed he'd like to take on Kamaru Usman for the welterweight title. The Irish fighter is confident about beating Usman and is looking to become the first fighter in UFC history to win titles in three weight divisions.
Watch what McGregor had to say below:
Conor McGregor believes he should fight Kamaru Usman on his return to action. https://t.co/IfeSvhVMYs
Although he rates McGregor highly as a fighter, Rogan feels that the Irish star needs a warm-up fight to get his mojo back after the year-long lay-off.
Citing the example of McGregor's welterweight clash against Donald Cerrone in 2020, Rogan said that 'Notorius' should find a similar opponent for his next fight, someone who isn't at the peak of their prowess currently. According to Rogan, it will be difficult for McGregor to hang with the best fighters on the planet like Kamaru Usman immediately upon his expected return later this year.
During an appearance on the Hotboxin' with Mike Tyson podcast, Rogan said:
"If Conor wants the most chance of success, I would say fight a guy who is a little below championship level. Maybe a guy on the come-up, who Conor has an advantage over, but it’s still a competitive fight. Give him a test, but don’t put him in there right away with Usman...He should do whatever he wants to do, but if I was like a manager to him, and I said what’s the best path to success, the best path to success is like the ‘Cowboy’ fight. No disrespect to ‘Cowboy,’ but that fight turned out to be kind of like a warm-up fight."
Does Conor McGregor require a "tune-up" fight?
Kamaru Usman is arguably the greatest welterweight of all time and is currently on a 15-fight win streak inside the octagon. McGregor, who suffered back-to-back losses in 2021, has clearly suffered a dip in form. Coming back from a severe leg injury (broken tibia and fibula) might do the Irishman good if he pays heed to Rogan's suggestion.
If Conor McGregor can get back in the win column, he will gain the much-needed confidence and momentum required heading into a title fight against one of the most dangerous men in the UFC. Although the 'Notorious' Irish superstar can get an immediate title shot by virtue of his immense popularity and drawing power, it may do him a world of good to fight a comparatively easier opponent first.
Let's take a look at five potential opponents who could be the perfect "tune-up" fights for Conor McGregor's imminent octagon return.
#5. Nick Diaz
Nick Diaz is one of the most popular fighters in UFC history. Despite recent speculation surrounding his retirement, the elder Diaz brother is still in the USADA testing pool. According to his coach Cesar Gracie, the veteran fighter will step inside the cage by year-end.
Although he did look a little rusty on his cage return in the rematch with Robbie Lawler at UFC 266 last year, there were moments of brilliance when he displayed his prolific striking game. One must also consider that he was away from the sport for six long years.
Diaz could still hang with some of the best fighters around, given a proper training camp. Conor McGregor has been out for a year as well, and there's a chance that he may be rusty, so it makes sense for him to fight Nick Diaz next. Since he's a well-rounded fighter, Nick could prove a worthy challenge for McGregor before taking on title fights.
Another reason why a matchup between the pair could work out is that there's history between them. McGregor's rivalry with Nick's younger brother Nate is a part of UFC folklore. The pair have fought each other twice previously, and Diaz would like to get his hands on the Irishman for bragging about having beaten his younger sibling.
A fight between the two stars would undoubtedly sell pay-per-views like hotcakes and give McGregor the perfect opportunity to gain momentum.