'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
On October the 6th, two giants of the MMA world will collide as the unbeaten lightweight champion Khabib Nurmegomedov takes on "The Notorious" Conor Mcgregor as the Irishman returns after a two-year absence. It is marketed as, and most probably is, the biggest fight in MMA history.
The two represent two extremes of the discipline which makes it any ones fight. Khabib's sambo is unmatched throughout out MMA, and the Dubliner has the tendency to pull-off the extraordinary with his precise striking. Who will come out on top when the two face off at the T-Mobile Arena is anyone's guess and only time will tell.
No one on the UFC's roster can match the Irishman when it comes to antics and creating hype. It may seem that Mcgregor has already had his biggest payout from the MAYMAC fiasco. However, there are still some enticing match-ups there for the taking and the Notorious one is a very competent businessman surrounded by a good team while his stock rises continuously.
Here we take a look at how MMA's grandest Superstar could further expand his brand/image and perhaps his bank account after his scheduled fight with the Dagestani.
#1 Georges St-Pierre at WrestleMania
Before you completely rule out this crazy suggestion, hear me out. YouTube just witnessed its biggest stars take on one another, KSI vs Logan Paul garnered an interest few thought was possible. I mean, these were two guys who made home videos and had no boxing knowledge whatsoever, still, the world tuned in despite it being monetized, its the world we live in, sports is commercialized until it can't be anymore. The UFC can bank on this by coming together with the WWE. WrestleMania which has become an institution when it comes to wrestling entertainment & it could serve as the pedestal for this clash of titans.
Executive Vice-president of Talent Triple H has spoken about his fondness for the UFC & Mcgregor. In GSP, Conor would be facing his biggest challenge not only inside the Octagon but also in terms of international popularity.
The Quebec native is hailed as one of the greatest fighters if not the best, that combined with what he brings in commercially, almost guarantees Mcgregor his biggest payout in MMA till date. GSP has expressed his desire to compete at lightweight, and an orthodox UFC fight could be set up within the WrestleMania phenomena. It is a win-win situation for both sides and there shouldn't be any reason to not bring this contest to fruition.
#2 Nate Diaz 3
It would the biggest crime in MMA if this fight is not fought. After RDA pulled out of his clash with Mcgregor less than 2 weeks prior, the Stockton native stepped up to the challenge on 11 days notice, what followed in the coming months was no less than a satire; mind-games, personal jibes, and genuine hatred from both sides. However, what stood out was two fights that have forever marked the combat sports history books.
After Diaz took the first one via 2nd round submission, McGregor made it even with an admirable effort at UFC 202 and a 3rd fight is needed to put this rivalry to bed once and for all. It is a very enticing match-up not only because of it shaping up to be a trilogy but also because of the chemistry between the two. The former Cage Warriors double seems to be getting under peoples skin with ease but that didn't work with Diaz.
The Californian has his own social following even more so after this whole saga and seems to be undeterred by Mcgregor's antics. This dynamic produces adulterated back-&-forth and fights where nothing is held back thus Mcgregor vs Diaz being voted the greatest fight in the company's history. The third bout is likely to be held at 155 pounds which is the natural weight for both fighters and promises to be nothing less than a showpiece event.
#3 Paulie Malignaggi (Boxing)
Despite everything the SBG athlete has achieved in Mixed Martial Arts, his biggest payout and the fight that brought him to the global forefront was a loss to arguably the greatest boxer of all time Floyd 'Money' Mayweather. Mcgregor is said to have earned a cheque close to nine-figures, which is leaps and bounds from anything he's received from Dana White. MMA has progressed rapidly in the past decade, credit to White and the Fertittas but it still is a long way from commanding the interest that boxing generates in spite of the latter's decline in recent years.
A fight with Malignaggi makes sense for Mcgregor as the two have bad blood after photos and clips of the WBA welterweight champion being knocked down were leaked from the Mcgregor camp leading up to 'MAY-MAC'.
Malignaggi is not one to back down from verbal warfare and although his clout is nowhere near to Pretty Boy's, he is a former double-champ and Showtime host. It would need the men in charge; White & Espinoza (MDs at UFC & Showtime respectively) to sort out their differences and make the most of this event.
As for the actual fight, Malignaggi is a highly skilful boxer and reads his opponents well, however, he would be around 39-40 by the time this match materializes and has been retired for a while. Meanwhile, Mcgregor being the specimen he has further enhanced his craft and would have the experience from his only boxing bout and seems to have more than a puncher's chance against the American.
