Whether he wins or loses, the fans always wait for the next Conor McGregor fight. The Notorious One is the box office powerhouse of UFC, and he certainly generates a lot of money as well as mainstream attention. As a result, almost every fighter desires to enter the cage with McGregor for a good payday.
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McGregor had a forgettable 2021 as he lost both of his fights against Dustin Poirier, including suffering the first knockout loss of his career at UFC 257. In his second fight of the year, he lost as well as broke his leg. After recovering from the injury, McGregor is gearing up for his big return in 2022. While some opponents could produce blockbuster encounters, some opponents might not be ideal for him.
10 Bad Idea: Jake Paul
Jake Paul, the social media star, has created an uproar in the boxing world in recent years. Considering he has fought MMA fighters like Ben Askren and Tyron Woodley in the boxing ring, a boxing bout between Paul and McGregor can't be ruled out.
Paul already called out McGregor in the past, but the latter didn't give any serious response. After successive losses, McGregor should prove himself in the Octagon instead of fighting someone like Jake Paul in a boxing match.
9 Great Idea: Islam Makhachev
Islam Makhachev is currently one of the exciting fighters of the UFC Lightweight division. Islam has been on a roll, staying unbeaten in his last nine UFC fights.
A fight between Makhachev and McGregor would be awesome because the former is close to the arch-rival of the latter, Khabib Nurmagomedov. Islam trains with Khabib. A match between these two would be personal, and McGregor would be motivated to take revenge after humiliation against Khabib.
8 Great Idea: Dustin Poirier
Dustin Poirier was the man who embarrassed Conor McGregor twice in 2021. First, he gave McGregor his first-ever knock loss, taking revenge for his previous loss against the Irishman back at UFC 178. He faced a usual loud and arrogant McGregor at UFC 264 and won again.
With the last fight ending in doctor stoppage, McGregor was furious after the loss. Therefore, a fourth bout would be a fair fight for McGregor and from the business standpoint, it might do well.
7 Bad Idea: Jorge Masvidal
Jorge Masvidal, the former UFC BMF Championship winner, is truly a BMF. He is one of the best Welterweights with impressive striking power, and he has a record of finishing some big names.
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McGregor and Masvidal exchanged words on social media, but it would not be a good fight option for the former. If McGregor moves up to Welterweight against someone like Masvidal, he is likely to get dismantled.
6 Great Idea: Nate Diaz
Nate Diaz has a great history with Conor McGregor, and these two men are certainly fierce rivals. Their first encounter was at UFC 196, where Diaz choked out McGregor. But the Notorious One returned the favor at UFC 202.
Given the intensity and popularity of their last two bouts, a trilogy would be nothing short of spectacular. Having one win each, a trilogy can decide the better fighter among them.
5 Bad Idea: Kamaru Usman
Kamaru Usman is the number one ranked Welterweight fighter in the UFC, with an impressive unbeaten record in the company. He is the current undisputed UFC Welterweight Champion, and he has been champion for over two years.
Usman is a total package with superior wrestling skills and knockout power. Following two losses, it wouldn't be the right time for McGregor to face an elite name like Usman, that too in the Welterweight division.
4 Great Idea: Tony Ferguson
Surprisingly, Tony Ferguson has never faced Conor McGregor in the Octagon. This match would create a huge huge hype if they end up facing each other.
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When McGregor won the UFC Lightweight Championship, fans were speculating to see the match, as Ferguson was enjoying a remarkable winning streak at that time. Now, Ferguson is on a three-match losing streak, while McGregor has a two-match losing streak. Therefore, it would be a great fight for either man to pick up the win.
3 Bad Idea: Justin Gaethje
Justin Gaethje previously fought the foes of Conor McGregor, Khabib Numagomedov, and Dustin Poirier and lost to both. But the UFC Lightweight fighter still holds a decent UFC record of 6-3.
Justin and McGregor called out each other on social media, but it wouldn't be a good matchup when it comes to business. Justin isn't outspoken like McGregor, and the latter might destroy the former in thrash talking. Inside the Octagon, the match could go either way considering Justin barely uses his wrestling skills.
2 Great Idea: Khabib Nurmagomedov
Perhaps one of the biggest fights in UFC history took place at UFC 229, where Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor crossed paths. It was personal with a lot of drama involved in the pre-fight as well as post-fight. It was also the highest-selling UFC PPV of all time.
Now, Khabib is retired, but it's not unusual for fighters to break retirement and McGregor has already done it. If the rematch happens, it can shatter the record of the previous fight.
1 Bad Idea: Max Holloway
Max Hollaway and Conor McGregor already fought in 2013. The Notorious One defeated him by decision. It was a fight in the Featherweight division, and Hollaway is currently in the same division.
Seeing how Conor McGregor has bulked up in recent years, it would be very hard for him to return to the Featherweight division. McGregor should fight either in the Lightweight or Welterweight division.
