Conor McGregor is a man with many options. And in a recent public appearance in Scotland, he went over a lot of them, giving the MMA world some insight into what could be next for the UFC lightweight champion.
““Look, I’ve got the UFC title to defend and that means something to me. I will defend that world title,” McGregor stated.
First of all, that’s great news for fight fans - there had been a fair amount of speculation that he’d take that Mayweather money and live out his days by a pool somewhere being handfed grapes and fanned by gorgeous women with palm leaves. Second, any time McGregor mentions possible matchups, sportsbooks react.
Today, we’re looking at some of the possibilities Mystic Mac mentioned and previewing the futures odds for some of them. For every hypothetical matchup not listed in the futures section, we’ve gone and projected some money lines.
UFC Odds at BookMaker.eu
THE TRILOGY BOUT
UFC Futures Bet
Conor McGregor -270 vs. Nate Diaz +210
What Conor Said
“(Nate Diaz) is there. He’s trying to come in here and make all of these demands. If he starts pricing himself out of an event, I probably will defend against the person who wins this interim belt...I also have history with Nate. It’s 1-1 and that has to happen. It will happen.”
Likelihood It Happens: 75%
Even McGregor’s coach, John Kavanagh, came out and said this was best matchup for his fighter. We’re now squarely in the money fight era, and this is the most lucrative bout that can be made. And like McGregor said, that tie has to be broken sometime. There are a few minor roadblocks here: Nate’s demanding $20-30 million - a crazy figure - and he’s done nothing to warrant a title shot.
Invasion of Russia
UFC Futures Bet
Conor McGregor -115 vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov -115
What Conor Said
“Again, Khabib. That’s another option. That’s definitely an option.”
Likelihood It Happens: 5%
Back in June, both Dana White and John Kavanagh came out and said that McGregor asked for Nurmagomedov in Russia. It’s hard not to fall in love with the idea - Khabib is a superstar in Russia and they could easily fill a stadium for this matchup. Plus, the Dagestani wrestler is the only lightweight that McGregor might not be favored against. But anybody know what he’s up to these days? We haven’t heard from him in months.
Unify the Titles
Projected UFC Odds
Conor McGregor -160 vs. Tony Ferguson +130
What Conor Said
“Let me see what these two fools (Ferguson and Lee) do...I’m very interested in seeing this fight...to see how the lightweight title picture pans out and to go in and correct that whole situation. That’s where my thoughts are.”
“Now the question I always get is about defending the belt and legitimizing the sport and the rankings. Maybe now it would be a good time for me to go and shut that side up.”
Likelihood It Happens: 20%
If McGregor is serious about legitimizing the title and the rankings, he’d agree to a unification match. But the money he’d be leaving on the table by choosing to do so over a matchup with Diaz or Nurmagomedov puts the matchup in serious jeopardy. But anybody who is close with Conor knows how insanely competitive he is, and he’s at least acknowledging the criticism he’s been getting for never defending a belt.
The Star vs. The Legend
Projected UFC Odds
Conor McGregor +100 vs. Georges St. Pierre -130
What Conor Said
“It’s another money fight, even though he’s been retired. I don’t know, I think he’s going to get his ass whooped by Bisping. To be honest I think it’s a mistake for him to step in at that weight after so long out.”
Likelihood of Matchup: 15%
You might be thinking I’m giving this too high of a chance, but imagine what happens if GSP wins the middleweight title. One of the sport’s original superstars would join McGregor in a small group of people who has won titles in two weight classes. With all the momentum on his side, do you really think GSP would turn down a monster payday against McGregor to face killers like Rockhold, Romero and Whittaker instead?
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