Exploring Conor McGregor's options if he loses to Michael Chandler
Conor McGregor's long-awaited octagon return is reported, by the Irishman himself, to be set for later this year. Moreover, he has asserted that he will indeed face Michael Chandler and no one else. While there's no official date, there's no reason to doubt McGregor's words.
Stylistically, Chandler is a favorable opponent due to his reckless lunges and deep stance extensions whenever he storms forward with looping punches. He is tailor-made to be sniped by 'The Notorious' down the middle on the counter. However, 'Iron' remains dangerous, as he is powerful, fast, explosive, and a wrestler.
Furthermore, McGregor will be more compromised than ever, given his past shin break and recent toe injury. So, a loss to Chandler is neither impossible nor improbable. But if it happens, what will become of McGregor?
Conor McGregor's potential career paths
Conor McGregor is currently unranked at lightweight, and in any UFC division for that matter. A hypothetical loss to Michael Chandler would damage his standing in the sport to a severe extent. It would leave him on a three-fight losing streak, and 1-4 in his last five fights, which would damage to his market value.
While McGregor is one of the few fighters who will forever remain a star regardless of how often he loses, his star power diminishes the more he loses, especially considering how he likens himself to an all-time great and technically better than everyone on the UFC roster.
There will be far less interest in watching McGregor fight if he loses to Chandler, but there would still be options for him in the UFC. A trilogy bout between him and Nate Diaz would be ideal. First, it is a winnable fight for the Irishman, who won't run the risk of getting starched by an older Diaz.
Second, it would allow the UFC to squeeze out every last drop of profitability from McGregor before sending him on his way out. Fans care about the rivalry between between 'The Notorious' and Diaz, it is historic and both men are stars. Many will tune in to watch the conclusion of their legendary feud if it is ever booked.
Additionally, both McGregor and Diaz would certainly use trash talk to generate hype for their bout. Most importantly, if the Irishman loses, the UFC would be able to relinquish him to the open market as a free agent with his market value diminished by the defeat.
In short, other promotions won't benefit as much from McGregor's popularity if he leaves the UFC on a three-fight losing streak, as opposed to a win. However, his last fight must be one that will maximize fan interest, so it cannot just be anyone. Diaz is the most optimal choice.
Another option is Dustin Poirier, with whom 'The Notorious' has had three fights. McGregor won their first encounter in 2014, TKO'ing Poirier. Their subsequent two bouts, though, ended with Poirier TKO'ing his rival, first in traditional fashion, and second via a career-threatening injury that saw McGregor's leg snap.
There is history, their feud is personal, and MMA fans are like bees to the nectar of a heated rivalry. Furthermore, Poirier is on the verge of retirement, and hoping to leave the UFC on a win. McGregor has an argument for a rematch, as he claims their trilogy did not end definitively, as a freak injury is an improbably outcome.
It's an easy sell, and it would make for an action-packed fight. A less likely option to consider is Tony Ferguson, who is currently scheduled to face Michael Chiesa at UFC on ABC 7 on Aug. 3. Unfortunately, UFC CEO Dana White has revealed that 'El Cucuy' will likely be given the boot if he loses to Chiesa next month.
It's understandable, given that Ferguson has declined massively and is on a seven-fight losing streak. An 8-fight losing streak would be the longest in UFC history. However, perhaps the promotion could be convinced to retain him for a fight with McGregor.
The two men are currently unranked, and they have history. Ferguson was once signed to Paradigm Sports, which is McGregor's management team. The two have taken aim at each other over it, and 'The Notorious' was highly critical of 'El Cucuy's' TKO loss to Justin Gaethje.
So, a matchup between the two could be scheduled. However, McGregor has other options. Given his recent dismissal of the PFL, it is unlikely he would sign with them. Although given the historic contract Francis Ngannou was offered by the promotion, something similar could be on the table for the Irishman.
"So, you know, for me, I have a bit of business left with the Ultimate Fighting Championship, two fights left on my contract, but for sure, we've got three lightweights up here, and I have my eye on this. I'm not up here just as an owner. Player-manager, I'll title myself."
Check out Conor McGregor promising to fight in BKFC:
Nevertheless, McGregor, who is a part-owner of BKFC, likened himself to a 'player-manager' in the bare-knuckle boxing promotion, and proclaimed his intention to fight in BKFC in the near-future. That, then, may be his next destination.