If you follow Conor McGregor on Instagram then you will see that he is lean and ripped right now. However, this led to fans debating over his future ambitions. Will he return to lightweight or will he make a run at an unprecedented third division and target the 170lb belt?
The former seems more likely because he believes he has unfinished business with Khabib Nurmagamedov. But there are no certainties when the Notorious is involved except that a lot of money will be made. To sum up, he is even interested in a catchweight bout against Anderson Silva.
Meanwhile, UFC President Dana White says that a lightweight title fight is the logical next step for the volatile former champion. In an interview with former cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew and Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn, he spoke about the Irishman’s future.
Talk the Talk
On a recent episode of Talk the Talk with Bellew and Hearn, White reaffirmed his desire to see McGregor back in lightweight contention. In short, he says that interim 155 lb champion Justin Gaethje should fight the real champ Khabib for the title. Of course, this makes sense, but then the winner could fight McGregor.
“I think that the best thing for him – I’m not saying this is what’s going to happen – but in my opinion he lets this Gaethje-Khabib fight play out, then he fights the winner,” he said. “I think that’s the smartest move for him.”
Smart Move
But the big question is, does McGregor want to wait that long? It could be the end of the year before either man is available to fight. He spoke before about wanting to treat this year as a season after beating Donald Cerrone. However, the current health crisis has obviously interfered with that. Meanwhile, EU citizens cannot enter the United States at the moment.
“You know him. Maybe he wants to fight before that and if he does, we can figure something out,” he said. “But I think that’s the move for him right now.”
Waiting Game
Right now it’s all about waiting patiently for McGregor. The Notorious remains in his native Ireland as the country recovers from the current health crisis. However, he does have a multitude of options. First of all, he could fight the next lightweight champion after Khabib v Gaethje.
But that’s not the only one available to him. The Nate Diaz trilogy might finally conclude because neither man has an opponent right now. Of course, there is also the potential of a clash with Jorge Masvidal, but that remains less likely. If he wants to continue at welterweight then don’t rule out a fight with Anthony Pettis.
To sum up, the most famous Irishman in the world will never be short of options. Who would you like him to fight next?
