5 tune-up fights for Conor McGregor before he competes in a title match

Conor McGregor is by far the biggest star the sport of mixed martial arts has ever seen. As a result, the UFC seems inclined to give 'The Notorious' the fights he wants as it is in their best interests to keep the Irishman happy.

Following UFC 269, Conor McGregor appeared to name the next man at the top of his wishlist. The Irishman called out the reigning UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira.

While there is a slight possibility that McGregor is granted that fight, it would certainly be an unpopular decision for many members of the MMA world. This is due to the fact that typically a No.9-ranked fighter would not receive an immediate title shot, particularly off the back of two straight losses.

McGregor has also not won a fight at lightweight since 2016. Hence, it is understandable that some feel he ought to at least pick up one win before he is inserted back into the title picture.

If that does prove to be the case, there is no shortage of options for 'The Notorious' to meet in a 'tune-up' fight. Here are 5 matchups that could make sense for Conor McGregor if he does not fight for the title next:

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#5. Conor McGregor vs. Rafael dos Anjos

Dos Anjos currently holds a record of 30-13

Rafael dos Anjos and Conor McGregor were famously meant to fight back in 2016 for the UFC lightweight title. The fight falling through with less than two weeks to go left many in the sport wondering 'What If?'

Perhaps now is finally the time to discover who would come out on top in this potential matchup.

While dos Anjos is a former champion and talented martial artist, his recent results are not particularly impressive. RDA has lost four of his last six with his two wins coming over the now retired Paul Felder and Kevin Lee, who is no longer in the UFC.

Perhaps now would be a good time for McGregor to face the Brazilian, who no longer seems to be quite the man that won UFC gold in 2015. It would still be considered a big win over a highly respected fighter that would put McGregor back in the title hunt should he be able to pull it off.

The only reason this one ranks so low is the high level of risk that comes with fighting someone as dangerous as Rafael dos Anjos.

#4. Conor McGregor vs. Stephen Thompson

Thompson's record currently stands at 16-6-1

While this is not a bout that has been discussed at much length, Stephen 'Wonderboy' Thompson could be just the sort of opponent Conor McGregor is looking for. While Thompson will forever be a big name in the sport given his liable personality, he does not seem to be operating at his previous high levels.

Thompson could be marketed as a credible opponent for McGregor given that he has repeatedly challenged for UFC gold. Additionally, while Thompson has only won two of his last four, that is a better run of form compared to Conor who has only picked up one win in the same number of fights.

With that being said, 'Wonderboy' has looked particularly lackluster in his last two bouts against Gilbert Burns and Belal Muhammad. His KO threat also appears to have diminished in the latter stages of his career as he has not finished an opponent since 2016.

McGregor currently appears to be a long way from 155 lbs and would likely be a heavy favorite in this bout and yet a win would still hold meaning for him. Thompson could be exactly the kind of opponent McGregor should consider if he is looking for a 'tune-up' fight in the hopes of securing another title shot in the UFC.

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#3. Conor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz III

Nate Diaz's record currently stands at 20-13

A third chapter in the rivalry between Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz has been talked about for some time now. With Diaz on the last fight of his UFC contract, perhaps now is the time to book the next bout between the pair.

Diaz is a very tough opponent and would likely not be best pleased with being labeled a 'tune-up'. However, he is another fighter on a bit of a losing streak. 'The Stockton Bad Boy' has lost his last two fights to Jorge Masvidal and Leon Edwards with only brief moments of success in them.

The positive for Conor McGregor in this fight is that it is an opponent he knows he can beat. On top of that, this matchup would again mean the Irishman would not have to cut down to 155 lbs. A win would also be huge for his legacy and likely be enough to earn a crack at the lightweight title.

#2. Conor McGregor vs. Dan Hooker

Dan Hooker's record currently stands at 21-11

John Kavanagh recently mentioned he feels a Conor McGregor vs. Dan Hooker fight could make sense as he ran through a list of potential next opponents for 'The Notorious'.

While Hooker remains a credible threat in the lightweight division, he has now suffered three losses in his last four fights. With that being said, these losses came against Dustin Poirier, Michael Chandler and Islam Makhachev and 'The Hangman' is still ranked one place above McGregor at No.8.

If McGregor is serious about challenging for lightweight gold, Dan Hooker seems an appropriate test. While Hooker has teased a drop down to 145 lbs recently, he could likely be convinced by the big payday a fight with McGregor presents.

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#1. Conor McGregor vs. Tony Ferguson

Tony Ferguson's record currently stands at 25-6

Conor McGregor and Tony Ferguson are two of the most popular stars on the entire UFC roster. They are ranked No.9 and No.7 respectively and have never crossed paths before so this one makes all the sense in the world.

It was not long ago that Ferguson racked up 12 straight wins at lightweight. He has now lost his last three bouts with each of them being fairly one-sided. It would appear that Ferguson would present McGregor with the opportunity to pick up a big name win, without as much risk as certain other high level fighters in the division.

Conor McGregor vs. Tony Ferguson seems like the fight to make should 'The Notorious' need one more bout prior to challenging for the UFC championship.