Three Potential Opponents for Conor McGregor in 2025

By Tim Burke September 23, 2024 14:33

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Michael Chandler vs Charles Olivera is official for UFC 309, leaving Conor McGregor's next opponent in question. Dana White himself has stated that the UFC is undecided on who Conor McGregor's next opponent should be. The UFC has plenty of intriguing options.

Dan Hooker

Dan Hooker, currently on a three-fight win streak, recently upset Mateusz Gamrot at UFC 305 in Australia. As the #5 lightweight contender, Hooker is actively seeking his next opponent. A potential fight between Hooker and McGregor would not only be entertaining for the fans but also a great opportunity for McGregor to re-establish himself as a lightweight contender. Since his latest win at UFC 305, Hooker has been actively campaigning for a showdown with McGregor.

"I feel like it is a smart option. Are you going to fight a guy in the top 5 on a three-fight win streak, or are you going to fight a guy not in the top 5? {Chandler}" Hooker told Submission Radio in August.

Hooker makes a strong case for himself and is a strong candidate to face McGregor in 2025.

Max Holloway

"Conor likes to consider himself a BMF, right? We can figure that out." Max Holloway stated following his impressive UFC 300 performance.

Conor McGregor would love to fight for the BMF belt. If the UFC wants to motivate Conor McGregor to step inside the octagon, the BMF title is the best way to do it. Everything that belt represents is what Conor McGregor wants his legacy to be. For Max Holloway, a fight with McGregor is the opportunity to avenge a loss that has haunted him for over a decade.

"It'd be hard not to say, with it finally getting announced that he's actually fighting, Conor 2 to run it back," told KHON2 news in April when asked if he could fight anyone in the UFC.

With rumors swirling that the UFC is leveraging Conor McGregor's two remaining fights on his contract to negotiate their next TV deal in 2025, the potential for a Holloway vs McGregor 2 is hard to ignore. The rematch could potentially be the biggest fight for both Max and Conor, with the potential to generate significant PPV buys. For Holloway, it's a chance to avenge a loss that has haunted him for over a decade. For McGregor, it's an opportunity to further solidify his legacy in the octagon.

Dustin Poirier

Could a fourth fight between Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier be on the cards? The two have one of the most intense rivalries in UFC history. The rubber match, unfortunately, ended with McGregor's leg breaking, leading to an unsatisfying conclusion. However, the potential for a fourth fight is still very much alive.

"The fight didn't get finished. You cannot have a fight finish that way. So, we will see how this whole thing plays out." Dana White told reporters following McGregor vs Poirier 3 at UFC 264.

If a fourth fight between Poirier and McGregor is ever going to happen, the time is now. Dustin Poirier has made it clear that he plans for his next fight to be the final one of his career. And who better than his biggest rival, Conor McGregor, to share the octagon with in his swan song? The potential for a final showdown between these two fierce competitors adds a layer of gravity to the potential matchup.

The upcoming fight between Michael Chandler and Charles Oliveira at UFC 309 has left Conor McGregor's next opponent uncertain, with several compelling candidates emerging, including Dan Hooker, Max Holloway, and Dustin Poirier. Each potential matchup presents unique opportunities for McGregor to enhance his legacy while offering exciting narratives for fans. Still, the question with Conor McGregor is not when he returns. It is if he returns at all.