The entire MMA world wants to see Conor McGregor return to the UFC Octagon, but no one really knows how it will pan out. With two back-to-back losses and one career-threatening injury, the Irishman is in the toughest spot of his MMA career. Back in the day, McGregor was considered one of the best UFC fighters.

But as time went on, many fans have left this opinion behind. Now, ‘The Notorious’ is preparing to return to the UFC, possibly at UFC 300. At the beginning of 2023, Michael Chandler was announced as his next opponent. However, this fight has not been made official yet, and no one really knows who the Irishman will face. In such a situation, many feel that a threat like Chandler might not be the best return fight for Conor McGregor.

Conor McGregor’s underwhelming record in the recent past

Back in 2017, ‘Mystic Mac’ created history by becoming the UFC’s first double champion. However, things went downhill for McGregor after that. After a long hiatus from the UFC, the Irishman returned to fight rival Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 229 in 2018. Despite many rooting for him, McGregor lost the fight via a fourth-round submission.

Following this defeat, the Dublin-born took almost more than a year to return. Next, he faced Donald Cerrone in 2020. Many dubbed this an easy fight for McGregor, as the Irishman finished his opponent in the very first round. However, his troubles were far from over, as McGregor lost his next two fights against Dustin Poirier in 2021. To make matters worse, he even sustained a career-threatening leg break at UFC 261.

Now, as Conor McGregor gears up for a return, fans are confused when the debate of his next potential opponent arises. While some feel the Irishman can still fight the top-ranked fights, others are of the opinion that ‘The Notorious’ needs a tune-in fight first.

Colby Covington – a primary example of ring rust

Over the years, we have witnessed several fighters fall prey to ring rust. The American MMA fighter Colby Covington is the primary example of this phenomenon. Moreover, his recent defeat can be a valuable lesson for Conor McGregor himself.

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Covington faced Jorge Masvidal at UFC 272. Even after defeating his rival, Covington remained out of the Octagon for more than 20 months. Next, he returned to face champion Leon Edwards at UFC 296. However, ‘Chaos’ could barely manage to look like his past self’s shadow, as he lost the fight via a dominant unanimous decision.

Many fans blamed the loss on Covington’s inactivity and ring rust. Moreover, several MMA pundits believed that the American MMA star should have first fought a relatively easier opponent. Looking at the career arch of Colby Covington, many believe that Conor McGregor should avoid stepping straight into a tough fight.

Who is the best opponent for Conor McGregor?

Due to his outspoken attitude, Conor McGregor has a long-standing beef with several MMA stars. Moreover, regardless of his opponent, the Irishman can easily sell a fight and can break several viewership records.

Further, this also means that he does not need a top-ranked MMA fighter to make the fight grand. In such a situation, Nate Diaz seems like the perfect candidate. While no one doubts Diaz’s capabilities, it is a known fact that the Stockton native is past his prime. Also, since McGregor has already faced him twice, fight preparation will be easier.

The past fights between these MMA icons are remembered as two of the most memorable UFC battles ever. Moreover, for the past few years, fans have been craving a trilogy fight between Diaz and McGregor.

As UFC 300 approaches, fans are excited to see whether Conor McGregor will return or not. Moreover, it isn’t wrong to say that his choice of opponent will play a heavy role in deciding his future MMA career. Who do you think will be his opponent? Let us know in the comments below.

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