Joe Rogan says Conor McGregor needs a "tune-up" fight before Kamaru Usman - here are 5 potential opponents

Who should Conor McGregor fight upon his return to the octagon?
Who should Conor McGregor fight upon his return to the octagon?

#4. Rafael dos Anjos

Will Rafael dos Anjos and Conor McGregor reignite their rivalry?
Will Rafael dos Anjos and Conor McGregor reignite their rivalry?

Conor McGregor and Rafael dos Anjos were supposed to fight for the lightweight title at UFC 196 in 2016. However, the matchup never came to fruition after the Brazilian pulled out due to injury. Six years later, a potential clash between the pair makes a lot of sense.

Neither McGregor nor dos Santos are at the top of their game. Although dos Santos won his last two fights inside the octagon, his stint at welterweight didn't pan out as he'd have hoped. If the pair meet at 170lbs, the Irishman's striking could be a problem for the Brazilian.

Usman is known for his grappling skills, and dos Anjos is known for his jiu-jitsu prowess. Although wrestling and jiu-jitsu are different styles, it would make sense for Conor McGregor to deal with a strong grappler before taking on Usman.

#3. Jorge Masvidal

Conor McGregor vs. Jorge Masvidal would be an absolute firefight between two of the best strikers in the UFC.
Conor McGregor vs. Jorge Masvidal would be an absolute firefight between two of the best strikers in the UFC.

Jorge Masvidal may be one of the best strikers in the welterweight division, but he is currently on a three-fight losing skid. If there was ever a perfect time for Conor McGregor to fight Masvidal, it's now. Usman managed to put Masvidal to sleep with a straight right during their rematch at UFC 261.

While McGregor may not generate as much power as 'The Nigerian Nightmare,' he certainly has the skillset to finish Masvidal on the feet. His bulked-up frame will also allow the Irishman to avoid being pushed around inside the cage.

A matchup between Jorge Masvidal and McGregor will likely be a striking slugfest, and the latter won't have to worry too much about getting taken down. In a stand-up exchange, with no disrespect to Masvidal, the man who went 10 rounds in a boxing match against the legendary Floyd Mayweather will probably outstrike 'Gamebred'.

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