5 reasons why Kamaru Usman vs. Conor McGregor is a terrible idea

Should the UFC really book a fight between Kamaru Usman and Conor McGregor? (Image Credit: The Mirror)

In a somewhat unexpected story this week, former UFC featherweight and lightweight champion Conor McGregor has suggested that his return bout could come against reigning UFC welterweight king Kamaru Usman.

Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) declares he will 'waltz back in' to UFC title shot – against Kamaru Usman (@USMAN84kg) mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2022/03/conor-…

A fight between Conor McGregor and Kamaru Usman for the UFC welterweight title would certainly come out of left field and may drum up some interest, but should the promotion actually book it?

In truth, the fight makes very little sense and could lead to a number of unwanted ramifications for the UFC, meaning it’s a bout that the promotion should look to avoid.

Here are five reasons why Usman vs. McGregor is a terrible idea.

#5. A win over Conor McGregor wouldn’t do a lot for Kamaru Usman’s legacy

Beating McGregor would make Kamaru Usman a lot of money, but wouldn't benefit his legacy

On the face of it, there are a number of reasons why a potential fight with Conor McGregor might intrigue current UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman.

McGregor remains the UFC’s biggest superstar and their biggest drawing card. If Usman were to be booked against him, he’d likely be in for the biggest pay-day of his career by some way, eclipsing the estimated $1.5m he made for his bout with Colby Covington last year.

Perhaps more importantly, Usman may well see ‘The Notorious’ as an easy win for him. That's based on the fact that the Irishman is not really a natural 170lber and has displayed major issues in defending against a powerful wrestler before.

However, would a win over McGregor do all that much for the legacy of Usman, who has already stated that his overall goal is to surpass the great Georges St-Pierre as the greatest welterweight in UFC history?

How close is Kamaru Usman to eclipsing Georges St-Pierre as the welterweight GOAT?

@dc_mma and @arielhelwani passionately debated the topic, factoring strength of opposition and the evolution of modern MMA athletes. https://t.co/CdMDZnLl2l

The truth is that it probably wouldn’t do a lot at all. Not only would it be embarrassing for Usman if he failed to deal with ‘The Notorious’ handily, but due to the popularity of the Irishman, ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ might even be viewed as a bully for dismantling a smaller foe.

So while it might earn a chunk of money for Usman, if he cares about his legacy more than his bank balance, this would be a fight for him to avoid.