So here is the situation. Conor McGregor is undoubtedly UFC’s biggest star, and quite possibly MMA’s biggest-ever star as well. No one has had the kind of aura that Conor McGregor has had for the past decade or so. The Irishman rose up to global superstar status fighting his way to not one, but two UFC titles becoming the first-ever UFC athlete to hold two Belts simultaneously, making him the first true double champ in the UFC.
Not only in MMA, but Conor McGregor has since then branched out to various different businesses and is now a successful business and owns an Irish Whiskey Brand, Proper 12, along with having a huge stake and becoming BKFC’s (Bare-Knuckle Fighting Championship) newest owner. While that certainly has made McGregor wealthier with time, his first love has without a doubt never changed and is still fighting. Not in the movies, like he did in the Hollywood blockbuster “Roadhouse”, which marked his debut in films, but in the UFC octagon.
The problem lies with his long-awaited return. Slated to fight against Michael Chandler a couple of months back, the fight was called off in the last stretch of its buildup due to Conor McGregor suffering a pinky toe injury. Already out for more than 3 years, Conor McGregor was the man in UFC who got them the most money. And while he still is that guy, the excitement surrounding his return is dying down.
Before, UFC could not retain the same standards without having McGregor in the fray. But now, three years since his last time in the octagon, UFC has become much more than just sustainable and is doing well without their former big dog. The recently concluded UFC 306 at the Sphere, was one of the, if not the biggest UFC events.
Now, the tables have turned. While UFC is doing quite well without Conor McGregor, the Irishman is failing to retain the same hype when he isn’t inside the octagon fighting. And that’s why it’s high time for him to get back. Already 36 years of age, he has only 1 or 2 years left at the top level. And surely a fighter of his stature wouldn’t wanna lose his seemingly last few fights.
And so, when recently asked about his return to the fight game, Conor McGregor said “he must” get at least 2 fights next year. That’s actually a really nice way of saying. “I have got two fights left on my contract and I am going to need to finish the contract.” Anyways, the Irishman further said that he would love his opponent to be Michael Chandler.
Do you think Conor McGregor has lost his aura in the last few years? Yes, he is enjoying life and earning but at what cost? It’s taken away the thrill of fighting in the ring. So will he actually fight next year in the UFC? Let us know your opinion in the comments below.
