What will the future hold for Conor McGregor? 5 possible opponents for the Irishman in his last UFC fight.

McGregor in a UFC promotional poster. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFCIndia

PUBLICITY:

Conor McGregor suffered one of the worst possible defeats at UFC 329 , an event held last Saturday (11), in Las Vegas (USA). In the main fight, the Irish star suffered a serious knee injury in the very first blow he landed on Max Holloway and was unable to continue competing. Because of the tragic outcome, many are asking 'Notorious', 37 years old and who had not fought since 2021, to retire, since his recovery is expected to be lengthy. However, the veteran already knows what to do: surgery, training and return to fight.

Dealing with the tough defeat, McGregor revealed that he now only has one fight left on his exclusive UFC contract and that he intends to fight it when he recovers. Therefore, SUPER LUTAS has listed five possible opponents that the former featherweight (up to 65,8 kg) and lightweight (up to 70,3 kg) champion could face in what might be his farewell fight with the company.

See too

Irony? Conor McGregor's knee had already been a victim of Max Holloway in the UFC; understand why.

Conor McGregor announces surgery and guarantees return to fight his last UFC fight after serious injury.

Is Conor McGregor going to stop fighting? Dana White is keeping the star's future a mystery after his injury at UFC 329.

1) Dustin Poirier

Poirier focused before fighting in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/brwlrz

It's no secret that Poirier is one of McGregor's main rivals. In total, the MMA stars have fought three times in the UFC. In their first encounter, in 2014, the Irishman won by knockout in the first round. In the rematch and the trilogy fight, held in 2021, 'The Diamond' won by knockout. Furthermore, the last time they faced each other, 'Notorious' suffered a serious leg injury and, since then, has always shown interest in facing his nemesis again.

Since Poirier was recently arrested for public intoxication, argued with and picked a fight with a police officer, and confessed that he's having difficulty coping with retirement because he misses fighting, his return to the UFC is possible. In fact, today, 'The Diamond' himself is showing interest in facing McGregor for the fourth time. Since both MMA stars are currently struggling, they might ultimately help each other out.

2) Nate Diaz

Nate Diaz in a photoshoot. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/NateDiaz

PUBLICITY:

Diaz is simply McGregor's greatest rival. The pair had two UFC fights in 2016 that became classics. In the first fight, the American shocked the world and finished in the first round. In the rematch, the Irishman prevailed by majority decision. Therefore, a trilogy between these MMA stars is necessary to define who is the best fighter, and many fans still hope it will happen.

It's true that Nate, 41, is currently out of the UFC, but he still enjoys the affection of the public. In fact, the veteran has revealed that he would like to return to fight in the world's largest MMA organization. For his part, Dana White has left the doors of his company open to welcome him back. Therefore, a rematch between McGregor and Diaz is possible.

3) Michael Chandler

Chandler cheers during training. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/mikechandlermma

It's true that Chandler and McGregor never faced each other, but it's undeniable that they have a history. The UFC scheduled both athletes as coaches for TUF 31, even officially setting up a fight between them for 2024, but the Irishman suffered an injury and left his rival high and dry. Furthermore, the American, convinced he would face 'Notorious', wasted a lot of time in his career by refusing important fights.

The result? Chandler waited a long time for a fight that never happened, and when he decided to make up for lost time, he became easy prey. Ironically, now the American may see the duel he dreamed of finally happening, precisely because he's in a bad streak. Given his losing record in the UFC, 'Iron' is seen by many as the perfect opponent for McGregor to turn things around and win again.

4) Max Holloway

Holloway promotes UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

PUBLICITY:

While Holloway lost to McGregor by unanimous decision in 2013, at UFC 329 he managed to get revenge and even the score. The Irishman's injury resulted in a technical knockout victory for 'Blessed' in the first round. As the event, highlighted by 'Notorious' McGregor's' return, had the highest box office gross in the organization's history, the Hawaiian's purse was possibly the biggest of his career.

Therefore, after winning without any trouble, since McGregor's injury was unfortunate, Holloway offered his support and made it clear that he would like to face him again in 2027. And, since the Irishman is competitive, he might take the bait and seek a trilogy to show that he is superior to his new tormentor. Furthermore, since it wasn't a real fight, a rematch between the veterans is feasible.

5) Return to boxing

Another very strong possibility is McGregor returning to boxing. And this could happen with Dana White himself promoting the Irishman's fight in Zuffa Boxing. It's worth noting that the UFC president is also the leader of the organization, founded in 2025 and still aiming to consolidate itself in the noble art. Therefore, nothing is better than having 'Notorious' present to take the company to the next level.

Furthermore, in boxing, McGregor has everything to suffer less from recurring injuries. It's worth noting that, before returning to fight at UFC 329 , the Irishman expressed a desire to perform in the noble art once again and, consequently, receive a valuable purse. In 2017, 'Notorious' had UFC authorization to face Floyd Mayweather in the ring and was knocked out in the tenth round. Currently, Conor may have less work to convince Dana, since he would be benefiting his league.

Furthermore, if McGregor returns to compete in the ring, this time for Zuffa, he will have no shortage of super fights. The Irishman could face Canelo Álvarez, Floyd Mayweather in a rematch, Manny Pacquiao, Terence Crawford, among other stars of the traditional sport.

Exclusive: Michael PQD talks about his brutal UFC debut victory.