Conor McGregor fans are surely curious as to who and when the current UFC lightweight champion will be fighting next.
With Dana White saying that newly crowned UFC interim lightweight champion Tony Ferguson is the next match to make for McGregor, the UFC President is hoping for “The Notorious” to return to the Octagon before the end of the year. However, it all likely comes down to what Conor McGregor wants to do.
Speaking at his September Q&A event in Glasgow, video from the event was recently released from the event where McGregor opened up on some interesting topics including future matchups.
In regards to a title unification bout with Ferguson, McGregor said (via Business Insider) that “could legitimize” his champion status as he has yet to defend the 155-pound title since winning it against Eddie Alvarez in November of last year. Another matchup that Dana White keeps trying to deflect is the trilogy bout with Nate Diaz, which both McGregor and his coaches want.
According to “The Notorious” himself, the rubber match with Diaz “has to happen.” McGregor added: “I have history with Nate as it’s 1-1.”
Regardless of who the opponent is, one thing that McGregor will be pushing for is being a co-promoter with the UFC like he did with Mayweather Promotions for his boxing match with Floyd. McGregor made it known at the UFC 205 post-fight press conference after winning the UFC lightweight belt that he wanted equity in the UFC.
McGregor said his next UFC fight “should be in association with McGregor Sports Entertainment.” He added: “I feel I’ve earned that. I’ve pushed so many boundaries.
“I think they [UFC owners WME/IMG] can see what I bring to the table as a partner and that is what the offer will be.”
This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 10/31/2017.