The biggest star the UFC has ever seen, is going through more troubles. Just a few days ago, it was reported that Conor McGregor (22-4) was arrested and questioned for alleged indecent exposure. Additional details came out yesterday.
The UFC star finds himself in another round of negative headlines outside of the cage. 2020 was supposed to be the biggest year of Conor McGregor’s UFC career as he attempted his comeback season with the promotion.
It couldn’t have gotten off to a better start. Back in January at UFC 246, McGregor blitzed through Donald Cerrone in under a minute. McGregor looked focused, and it was the best mentally we had seem him in a very long time. It appeared he was back.
However, the pandemic really through a wrench in everything. The UFC couldn’t put together a fight for him, and Dana White wanted him to wait for the winner of Gaethje – Khabib. A frustrated McGregor retired because he simply wanted to fight.
Despite saying he’s retired from the UFC, McGregor is still being tested by USADA. To me, the best thing for McGregor would be to get a fight booked in the UFC. With that, could the promotion book him against Tony Ferguson (25-4)?
Can the UFC pull it off?
Tony Ferguson is in a bit of a weird spot. It appeared that he was going to fight Dustin Poirier in October at UFC 254, but the fight fell apart due to financial negotiations with Poirier. Ferguson came out yesterday asking the UFC to pay Poirier to make the fight happen.
Dana White said that the promotion is moving on to another fight for Ferguson. One of the options out there is free agent Michael Chandler who could jump right to the top with a fight against Ferguson. However, a McGregor – Ferguson fight could be just what the doctor ordered.
The UFC is fully capable of running and succeeding without Conor McGregor, but there’s no questioning what the Notorious one brings to the table. Love him or hate him, I believe most would want to see him stay active inside the UFC.
A fight against Ferguson would allow McGregor to rededicate his mind to MMA, and get away from the noise. It would also give Ferguson the fight he’s been asking for, for years. Not sure it’s possible, but if I’m the UFC, it’s something I pursue.