Jose Aldo
“Your fairy tale is over, pussy” Many were all too happy to see McGregor finally taste defeat inside the Octagon, but few were as delighted as the former featherweight champion Jose Aldo judging by tweets posted just seconds following his rival’s humbling defeat. Knocked out in just 13 seconds when the two finally faced off at December’s record-breaking UFC 194, Aldo is desperate to prove his first defeat in a decade was nothing more than a fluke, and might be in prime position to get his wish. Knowing he’s already bested the Brazilian, McGregor may feel that Aldo is his best shot at getting back on track, and with their memorable year long feud still simmering this seems like the most lucrative fight to make right now.
Rafael dos Anjos
Had he overcome his last-minute replacement opponent things would have been very different for McGregor, but the setback now raises questions over his ability to fight heavier opposition. Yes McGregor did once possess a title at 155 pounds, but this accolade came outside the Octagon against considerably inferior opposition. Completely revitalised in recent years Rafael dos Anjos put on a clinic when he beat the living crap out of Diaz in late 2014, and his constant pressure and superior grappling would almost surely put McGregor in serious trouble should they do battle. A win in his next outing will be essential to silence his growing doubters...so this probably wouldn’t be the best option.
Frankie Edgar
It seems that everyone in the world except McGregor wants to see Frankie Edgar vie for the featherweight title, and given the former lightweight champion’s recent form it’s not too hard to see why. An absolute nightmare for the Irishman stylistically, Edgar has ploughed his way through the elite of the division since dropping to 145 in 2013; his only loss a close decision against common adversary Aldo. McGregor would undoubtedly hold distinct height, reach, strength and power advantages, but Edgar is a relentless machine who can take considerable punishment and dish out plenty of his own. I can’t see Edgar sticking with the promotion in the event of being passed over again, so the UFC may be forced to make the match to keep hold of one of their pound-for-pound greats.
Georges St-Pierre
Okay, okay this is a little far-fetched but George St-Pierre’s cageside cameo at UFC 196 can’t be a coincidence. UFC 200 would be the best time for the legendary former welterweight champion to make one last appearance in a super fight, and with Anderson Silva no longer a viable option the Canadian’s list of potential suitors isn’t as great as it once was. Never one to pass up a challenge/opportunity to make a lot of money, McGregor would be a great choice despite being 0-1 at 170 pounds. It’s highly unlikely though considering St-Pierre’s penchant for fighting smart: The much larger Canadian would probably drag the fight to the floor and submit the Irishman in a matter of minutes. Great for McGregor haters, terrible for the UFC’s bank balance.
Who should he fight?
If the UFC made fights based more on previous performances rather than box office value the obvious choice here should be Frankie Edgar. The New Jersey-based veteran is guaranteed to excite with every performance and deserves a crack at McGregor more than anyone else right now. It’s just a shame that he probably won’t get it. Given their history and the fact that he’s beaten him already Jose Aldo will likely get the nod to face his rival in what would surely be billed as the biggest rematch in UFC history. It’s not fair, but it’s good business for both McGregor and the promotion.
Who do you think Conor McGregor should fight next? Let me know in the comments section below!
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