Who was Conor McGregor supposed to fight? This question has been on the minds of many MMA fans since the Irishman’s rise to fame in the sport. Known for his charismatic personality and unparalleled skill, McGregor has faced a variety of opponents throughout his career. From lightweight champions to welterweight greats, the Irish UFC fighter has had a storied career that has left fans eagerly anticipating his next bout. In this article, we will explore some of the notable fighters Conor McGregor was supposed to face and the reasons behind these matchups.
Conor McGregor’s rise in the UFC began in the lightweight division, where he quickly became a fan favorite. One of the most anticipated matchups during this time was a potential fight against then-champion Frankie Edgar. The two fighters had a history of trash-talking and were seen as perfect adversaries. However, Edgar eventually vacated his title, leading to other opponents coming into the picture.
One of the most discussed potential opponents for Conor McGregor in the lightweight division was Khabib Nurmagomedov. The Dagestani fighter was known for his incredible grappling skills and was widely regarded as the best lightweight in the world. A fight between McGregor and Nurmagomedov would have been a dream matchup for many fans, as it would have pitted McGregor’s striking against Nurmagomedov’s grappling prowess. However, the two never ended up facing each other, as McGregor later moved up to the welterweight division.
As McGregor transitioned to the welterweight division, he faced a new set of challenges and potential opponents. One of the most anticipated matchups in this weight class was a potential fight against then-champion Tyron Woodley. McGregor and Woodley had a heated rivalry, with McGregor famously challenging Woodley to a fight on Twitter. However, the two never ended up facing each other, as Woodley eventually lost his title to Kamaru Usman.
Another potential opponent for McGregor in the welterweight division was George St. Pierre. The Canadian fighter was a legend in the UFC and had previously held the welterweight title. A fight between McGregor and St. Pierre would have been a classic battle of styles, with McGregor’s flamboyant personality and striking against St. Pierre’s technical prowess. However, St. Pierre retired before McGregor could challenge for the title, and the fight never materialized.
In addition to these notable matchups, Conor McGregor has faced several other potential opponents throughout his career. Some of these fighters include Tony Ferguson, Dustin Poirier, and Colby Covington. While not all of these fights have come to fruition, the anticipation and hype surrounding them have only added to McGregor’s legendary status in the MMA world.
As Conor McGregor continues to evolve as a fighter and as the UFC landscape changes, the question of who he is supposed to fight remains a topic of much discussion. With the potential for matchups against the likes of Israel Adesanya and Kamaru Usman, McGregor’s career is far from over. The Irishman’s ability to draw massive crowds and create memorable moments in the octagon ensures that fans will be speculating about his next opponent for years to come.
In conclusion, the question of who Conor McGregor was supposed to fight has been a topic of much intrigue throughout his career. From lightweight champions to welterweight legends, McGregor has faced a variety of opponents and left fans eager for more. As he continues to push the boundaries of MMA, the anticipation for his next fight will only grow, and the list of potential opponents will likely expand. Who will Conor McGregor face next? Only time will tell.
