Conor’s Conundrum
Conor McGregor, considered by many an enigma by others a fight game genius. McGregor has yet another possible career defining moment standing before him. The obvious question to fight fans seems clear. Who does he fight next? The answer for McGregor might be a bit more cloudy. The former UFC two division champion has a plethora of options but the wrong choice could open up Pandora’s box.
khabib nurmagomedov handed Conor a devastating loss. McGregor has to fend off his pride and fight the urge to seek revenge. With Khabib facing a longer suspension than the Irish Assassin that should be easy enough for the time being. However after underestimating the ferocious Russian the first time around a rematch down the road is inevitable.
Here is where the water turns from crystal clear to murky. Keep in mind most attacks happen in murky water. So there is a real threat of danger if McGregor makes the wrong choice.
Anderson Silva is an opponent that Conor has great respect for. Conor also believes that Silva is past his prime and would make a nice name on his resume and an easy payday. This is a trap fight folks. This fight should have happened a few years back. He gains nothing (but a payday) if he wins. However if some freaky strike by Silva were to drop McGregor well, enter Pandora’s box.
Silva called for a fight with Nick Diaz in Brazil. Conor was quick to tap into this scenario as he offered to have the trilogy fight with Nate Diaz on the same card. This holds great appeal for MMA fans for many reasons. Silva fighting in Brazil is a big win for UFC. Silva vs Diaz has some interest as both men are past their prime yet can still fight. Conor vs Nate 3 has all the makings of a bloody battle in Brazil. Both Diaz brothers on one card, is a big win. This one makes sense in many ways but Nate Diaz is a very dangerous opponent. Blood in the water could create a frenzy and crazy things happen during a frenzy.
Max Holloway has been mentioned but honestly his sights are set on a Title fight. Conor needs at least one solid win to jump back into that spot. So in my humble opinion this is still a fight or two away. When and if that time comes it’s a huge money fight.
Enter Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone, the bull shark of the UFC. He isn’t the biggest guy nor is he the one with baddest reputation. What the Colorado Cowboy is known for you ask? Fighting anyone, anywhere at anytime. Cerrone is aggressive and loves to strike. He has been the shark in murky water more times than any other fighter in the UFC. This a fight fan favorite who can talk the talk and walk the walk. Would be a huge win for McGregor if he can beat Cerrone but it puts him in deadly waters.
One name keeps falling out of the conversation. Slipping through the cracks of the promoter and slipping past the bookers…. Ben Askren.
Askren was part of the first major trade in MMA. Ben was dealt to UFC for Demetrious Johnson back in Oct 2018. Askren has not held back in his public taunting of McGregor. As recently as yesterday Ben trolled both Conor and his bjj coach Dillon Danis on Twitter. Danis tweeted “We do not rise to the level of our expectations. We fall to the level
of our training.” Askren quickly responded with “Are you telling us this is what happened to Conor?” The beef is real, there is no mutual respect between these two. Askren would be a huge skin on the wall for Conor. Alas there is that murky water again. Danger lives here and waits to strike.
Ultimately the decision rests with McGregor and any of these could be entertaining fights. Choose wisely Conor, there seems to be blood in the water.
