Two Fights To Get Mcgregor Back in the Cage
By Eddie Sanchez
Nearly eight years ago, in November 2016, Conor McGregor made history by dominating Eddie Alvarez in two rounds at Madison Square Garden to become the first male UFC fighter to hold titles in two divisions simultaneously. This victory followed his 13-second knockout of Jose Aldo for the featherweight title.
Though still a global figure, McGregor’s career has since been marked by inactivity and three losses in four fights. Now 36, the former champ faces the challenge of rebuilding his legacy.
It’s been nearly three and a half years since he’s even stepped in the cage as a professional and he’s lost three out of his last four fights… YIKES.
But there’s hope.
Here are two fights that Dana could set up to get Conor back in the Octagon.
NATE DIAZ
Nate Diaz, for those who may have forgotten, stepped in on short notice at UFC 196 in March 2016, just four months after McGregor’s quick knockout of Aldo, and scored an upset victory via rear-naked choke at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, finishing the fight in just over nine minutes.
The shocking outcome set the stage for an intense buildup to their rematch five months later, where McGregor edged out a majority decision in what was arguably the grittiest fight of his career—the only one he’s won past three rounds and the only time he’s gone the full 25 minutes.
A trilogy fight was often discussed but never materialized, with Diaz splitting four UFC fights since and stepping into boxing against both Jake Paul and Jorge Masvidal. Now 39, Diaz would still be a tough opponent and a pay-per-view draw, but, like Ferguson, he’s the kind of challenge McGregor must overcome to remain in the championship conversation.
Paddy Pimblett
Here’s where things get interesting: Paddy Pimblett would be the perfect fit.
The 29-year-old Englishman has positioned himself as the next McGregor. His career began in 2012 with a title-winning run in Cage Warriors, and since joining the UFC three years ago, he’s earned three Performance of the Night bonuses in just 10 months.
Now 6-0 in the UFC, Pimblett has climbed to No. 14 in the lightweight rankings, defeating veterans like Tony Ferguson and Bobby Green along the way.
A matchup with McGregor would be ideal for a high-profile venue like Croke Park in Dublin. A win over a younger, surging opponent like Pimblett could legitimize McGregor’s quest for another title run.
If Pimblett holds his ground while McGregor clears his early tests, this fight is a guaranteed blockbuster.
