Conor McGregor’s future in the UFC remains unclear just days after his defeat to Khabib Nurmagomedov, but the next month will be crucial as it all unfolds.
The dust has settled after chaotic scenes marred UFC 229 and overshadowed what was a comprehensive win for the Russian over the Irishman.
The UFC have moved to announce their suspensions based on medical grounds following the event, and McGregor has been included on the list.
The Notorious has been handed a one-month suspension, with no contact permitted until October 28.
But more importantly for McGregor’s future is the next UFC event: UFC 230 on November 3 in New York at Madison Square Garden.
That’s because Nate Diaz is fighting in the main event against Dustin Poirier, with the former touted as a potential McGregor opponent should he not immediately rematch Khabib.
The trilogy and rubber match would likely sell and thrill fans regardless of whether Diaz wins or not, but a defeat could take some of the shine off the promotion if both fighters are rebounding from losses.
Odds have been released on what McGregor will do next, with rumours of retirement likely to be way off considering he has seven more fights and hundreds of millions on the table.
The rematch with Khabib is the 4/6 favourite, according to Betfair, with the Diaz rubber match 3/1 second favourite. Anderson Silva is next at 11/2, George St Pierre is 13/2 and Tony Ferguson an 8/1 shot.
Mcgregor has demanded a rematch, though that could be merely to save face in the aftermath of the event.
Khabib escaped without a suspension on medical grounds after finishing the fight relatively unscathed and passing examinations.
New footage has emerged showing the fighters grappling towards the end of the round when the referee can be seen to separate them, which leads to McGregor uttering words that seem to be an attempt to calm the storm.
Nurmagomedov was forced to listen to insults about his religion, country and father in the build-up, but McGregor attempted to backtrack mid-fight.
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"It’s only business," McGregor says, perhaps realising the extent to which he has wound up his opponent inside the Octagon.
But Nurmagomedov was having none of it, firing back, "Hey! Let’s go!"
The Irishman eventually succumbed to a neck crank submission manoeuvre in the fourth round of a one-sided fight.
The Irishman wants the rematch, despite the Russian’s dominance. Even if the UFC match them again, perhaps Conor will retreat somewhat in his personal jibes.
Who will McGregor fight next?
Khabib Nurmagomedov – 4/6
Nate Diaz – 3/1
Anderson Silva – 11/2
George St Pierre – 13/2
Tony Ferguson – 8/1
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