The ,,Notorios'' Conor McGregor what's NEXT after Floyd Mayweather?
“I have many options in MMA,”McGregor told MMAjunkie at the press conference for “The Money Fight,” which followed his 10th round TKO loss to Floyd Mayweather at T-Mobile Arena in August 26, 2017 in Las Vegas. “I’ll see what’s next, but I’m open,” McGregor said.
McGregor started well against the boxing legend night before he fatigued and Mayweather's class prevailed.
And he is now expected to return to the UFC.
His last fight in the Octagon was his win over Eddie Alvarez last November when he made history by becoming the first fighter in the promotion's history to hold two belts simultaneously.
Conor McGregor after his fight with Floyd Mayweather
The 29-year-old remains the lightweight champion but has yet to defend his 155lb title.
Here, we look at McGregor's options after his £100million night in Las Vegas...
MMA
Tony Ferguson
For a long time the plan was for Ferguson to fight Khabib Nurmagomedov for the interim lightweight title but the Russian pulled out of their March clash a day before they were due to touch gloves. He ended up in hospital after a difficult weight cut and could now miss out on his chance.
Ferguson is currently riding a ten-fight win streak and could make a case for him to face McGregor next, after defeating Kevin Lee for the interim 155lb championship belt on November 4.
Khabib Nurmagomedov
Despite his fitness concerns, the Russian remains the No.1 contender (despite new interim champion Tony Ferguson) in the lightweight division and no-one could complain if he was handed a shot at McGregor. With eight victories in the UFC taking his record to an impressive 24-0, the 28-year-old has long earned his shot.
Booking the fight for UFC 219 on December 30 in Las Vegas would give Nurmagomedov plenty of time to bring his weight down safely, but it remains to be seen if the UFC feel they can rely on him for a main-event slot.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is the No.2 lightweight contender
Nate Diaz
There remains unfinished business between McGregor and the younger Diaz brother after their two epic fights last year. Diaz shocked the Irishman in their first meeting when he submitted an exhausted McGregor in the second round but the rematch five months later went the other way as McGregor won a points decision.
Those two fights took place at welterweight but a rubber match at 155lb - where both men are more comfortable - would make more sense. But Diaz hasn't exactly shown a willingness to get back in the Octagon and it could take a big pay cheque to tempt him.
However, due to lastest news Diaz is going to face the welterweight champion Tyron Woodley on December 30, so this match between McGregor and Diaz will wait.
Paulie Malignaggi
The enduring saga of the build-up to Mayweather vs McGregor has been the role played by former two-time world champion Malignaggi. Brought into McGregor's camp for sparring, the American left after two sessions and 20 rounds when pictures showing him on the canvas were posted on social media.
Malignaggi claimed he was pushed before UFC president Dana White released the video showing it was somewhere between a shove and a knockdown. Malignaggi has since said he wants to fight McGregor on St Patrick's Day next March if McGregor didn't disgrace himself against Mayweather - which he didn't.
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