MMA Rumors: Conor McGregor Still Undecided Whether 2018 Fight Will Be ‘Into The Right Ring Or Octagon’
UFC lightweight champion Conor McGregor does not have any fights lined up since losing to Floyd Mayweather Jr. in a boxing superfight. This sparked rumors that he’s already considering retirement from the world of fighting sports. After having a huge payday, UFC president Dana White opened up the possibility that “The Notorious” might never fight again. Luckily, for fans who are patiently waiting for his return, McGregor confirmed he would be fighting again in 2018.
However, the UFC star remains undecided whether his next fight will take place in the boxing ring or the Octagon. Conor McGregor told his sponsor, Betsafe, that he would be ready to return as soon as he felt his conditions were met.
“My focus is getting back into the right ring or octagon. 2017 was historic. I have transcended both the sport of MMA and boxing,” McGregor said, via The Mac Life. “At this stage of my career, as it has been for the majority of my UFC career, potential opponents must lobby for fights with me.We could see Conor McGregor anywhere. I run the fight game, the fashion game, the whiskey game, or whatever the next business endeavor might be. I have every intention of fighting in 2018 if my compensation and business development endeavors accurately reflect my influence on combat sports.”
After winning the UFC lightweight title, Conor McGregor demanded a share from the UFC. According to Kevin Iole of Yahoo Sports, although UFC president Dana White agreed McGregor deserves to be richly paid, they see no reason for them to give him a share of the company. As of now, the UFC is negotiating a new deal with McGregor, and there is a higher possibility that he will insist his demand before agreeing to fight again in the Octagon.
Conor McGregor: "My focus is getting back into the right ring or octagon" | https://t.co/jpO48JxTwZ pic.twitter.com/xfRcEDgYIA
— The Mac Life (@TheMacLife) December 7, 2017
Most people expect McGregor to fight interim UFC lightweight champion Tony Ferguson for the title unification bout. However, his current suspension will delay their potential match. Also, according to MMA Fighting, Ferguson recently underwent an elbow surgery and will be out for an indefinite amount of time. Other MMA fighters, including Max Holloway, Nate Diaz, and Tyron Woodley, have already expressed their interest in being McGregor’s next opponent.
However, if the UFC will not give what McGregor wants, he might consider leaving MMA again to fight in the boxing ring. As of now, “The Notorious” must have realized the big difference in the money he could make through boxing compared to UFC. After his superfight against Floyd Mayweather Jr., McGregor has caught the attention of other boxing legends like Manny Pacquiao and Oscar De La Hoya.
Oscar De La Hoya Doubles Down On Conor McGregor Threat, 'Don't I Look Ready?' https://t.co/c54EJcU4tI
— TMZ (@TMZ) November 28, 2017
Pacquiao and De La Hoya were two of the boxers who were strongly against the MayMac fight. However, after seeing McGregor’s performance and ability to generate money, both veteran boxers immediately changed their stance and now hope to be his next opponent. No matter who he will fight next, whether in the boxing ring or the Octagon, Conor McGregor’s next fight will surely make another noise in the world of fighting sports in 2018.
