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In August 2018 it was announced that Irishman Conor McGregor had signed a brand new five-fight contract with UFC after two years absent from the promotion wherein he made his name.
The greatest draw in UFC history signed on the dotted line to face unbeaten Russian, Lightweight Champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 229 on October 6, 2018.
That fight ended in a one-sided defeat for McGregor who narrowly won the third round but was dominated in the other three before he tapped out to a neck crank four minutes into the fourth round.
Unfortunately, UFC 229 will now always be remembered for the infamous post-fight brawl in which Khabib jumped out of the Octagon and attacked McGregor's corner man, Dillon Danis. That sparked chaotic scenes and saw Khabib team member, Zubaira Tukhugov punch McGregor after he had hopped inside the Octagon.
The regrettable scenes have seen both McGregor and Khabib indefinitely suspended with the result of a hearing not expected to be heard until December.
Lost in all the controversy was that UFC 229 was the most successful show in UFC history, pulling an incredible 2.4 million orders worldwide.
That means that McGregor, whether he receives a lengthy ban or not, will return to the Octagon. The financial viability of the promotion is reliant on him doing so.
With four fights remaining on his deal, the UFC will unquestionably want to make the most of his incredible drawing power and place "Notorious" in marquee main event matches.
There are some mouth-watering collisions awaiting McGregor when he does eventually return to action.
In the following slideshow, SK analyses five potential opponents for McGregor when he returns to the Octagon in 2019 and ponders how likely they are to take place.
#5 Tony Ferguson
Tony Ferguson will likely be the next challenger for the Lightweight Championship. The only question is, who exactly will be the Champion?
The current incumbent, Khabib Nurmagomedov runs the risk of being stripped of the title following the post-fight brawl he instigated at UFC 229.
Should he not be forced to vacate the belt, then he would likely face Ferguson next up.
Should he be stripped then Ferguson would likely face McGregor for the title.
McGregor vs Ferguson has never been done before and Ferguson has not lost since 2012. He would be a formidable opponent for "Notorious" in what would surely be a match of the year candidate.
Equally adept at winning via Knockout or Submission, Ferguson would pose a significant threat to McGregor.
If the UFC wants to protect McGregor's aura then it might be just as well not to book this as the Irishman's next fight and allow him to get back into his groove against another opponent before lining up versus Ferguson in what would likely be an incredible bout.
#4 Nate Diaz
Nate Diaz was the first man to inflict defeat on Conor McGregor in UFC at UFC 196 back in March 2016.
It was McGregor's debut at Welterweight and he was overwhelmed by Diaz's power and was submitted in the second round.
McGregor got his opportunity for redemption at UFC 202 in August 2016, and delivered the greatest performance of his entire MMA career when he defeated Diaz in a bloodbath, winning a Unanimous Decision.
Now, two years later, could we see a rubber match between the two fighters?
It's a distinct possibility. Despite, the likelihood that McGregor would have to move up again to Welterweight to fight Diaz, in a rubber match decider.
McGregor would have to put his Lightweight Championship aspirations on hold to fight Diaz but "Notorious" likely would in order to be the prevailing fighter in the pair's excellent feud.
UFC would be keen to book this clash too, given that UFC 196 pulled 1.3 million buys and UFC 202 drew 1.65 million. The third bout would draw more.
#3 Donald Cerrone
"Cowboy" Donald Cerrone recently called out Conor McGregor following his 21st UFC win - a company record - versus Mike Perry at UFC Fight Night 139 on November 10, 2018.
The Lightweight legend, Cerrone has been a fading force in recent years, despite his win against Perry. Nevertheless, a bout between Cerrone and McGregor would be a huge pay per view draw.
Cerrone posted a photo of himself and McGregor on Instagram and wrote: “Just waiting on him! I know a guy.”
This was enough to whip up a frenzy on social media as fans speculated whether a dream clash between "Notorious" and the "Cowboy" was close to being signed.
McGregor would Cerrone would be a worthy headliner to any show and would be a sensible next fight for McGregor as he looks to bounce back from his heavy defeat versus Khabib.
McGregor should have little trouble in knocking out the "Cowboy" but it would inevitably be a highly entertaining, striking contest before the inevitable result.
#2 Khabib Nurmagomedov
It has to happen, right?
The most successful pay per view in UFC history, UFC 229 was headlined by McGregor and Khabib and the post-fight melee has ensured there is plenty of clamour for a rematch between the pair.
However, the negative press reaction from the post-fight brawl following the Lightweight Championship clash means that UFC will be wary about booking a rematch unless it can ensure that there will not be a repeat of those regrettable scenes.
There is the small matter of what suspension Khabib will receive and whether he is stripped of the title belt or not.
Should the title be vacated, then the likelihood is that McGregor would compete for the vacant belt and a title re-match would be assured should McGregor win, once Khabib is ready to return.
The return bout between "Notorious" and "The Eagle" will happen. Will it occur in 2019 is the only question?
#1 George St. Pierre
Conor McGregor vs George St. Pierre is probably the most marquee fight UFC has available to them.
A first-time fight between the legendary pair would undoubtedly be a huge pay per view draw and could even set an organisation record for pay per view orders.
Pierre, like McGregor is a former two-weight UFC Champion, having won gold at Welterweight (twice) and Middleweight. McGregor has previously reigned as Featherweight and Lightweight Champion.
Pierre would likely need to drop weight to make the fight happen but the Canadian has shown willingness to do just that and has openly spoken of his desire to fight "Notorious."
St. Pierre has trimmed down from his one and only fight at Middleweight in November of last year and could likely drop down to the 155 Ibs required to fight McGregor.
This fight has to happen and there is a good chance it will in 2019.
