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What's the story?
Former UFC double-division champion and pay-per-view mega-star Conor McGregor has been ranked among few others on the list for the fittest athletes of 2018. Conor's last outing in the Octagon exposed him of his poor cardio against an enduring fighter like Khabib Nurmagomedov, leading many to believe that the parameters to determine the fittest athlete, were purely based on fame.
In case you didn't know..
While many may consider it to be of prime importance to stay active in the sport of mixed martial arts and combat sports, in general, McGregor has put together little ring time ever since his 2016 win over Eddie Alvarez, for the UFC's lightweight championship.
The Irishman then went on a lustrous promotional tour for his big pay-day fight against the legendary pound-for-pound boxer, Floyd Mayweather, scheduled for August 26th, 2017.
Following his loss to Mayweather via technical knockout in the 10th round, many attributed the defeat to be Conor McGregor's poor cardio. He has been facing criticism for the same, ever since his first encounter with Nate Diaz, at UFC 196, when 'The Notorious One' was seen gassing out during the initial rounds of the bout itself.
In 2018, a four-round endeavor against Khabib Nurmagomedov made matters worse for McGregor, as Khabib was able to impose his will as the champion, exposing McGregor's comparatively substandard cardio, once again.
The heart of the matter
In the recent 2018 edition of the American sports magazine, Sports Illustrated, the number ninth fittest athlete of 2018, was seen to be Conor McGregor. McGregor was ranked ahead of pro-boxer Canelo Alvarez, pro-basketball player Russell Westbrook, pro-football player Luka Modric, triathlete Patrick Lange, and two-time Olympic gold medalist rower, Hamish Bond.
Given the criteria for determining the fittest athletes of 2018, Conor McGregor did not seem to be meeting any of the parameters. In Sports Illustrated's defense, McGregor is ranked number nine, considering his participation in both the MMA and boxing disciplines.
However, McGregor's boxing venture came in the year 2017, leaving many to strongly feel as though it was fame that put McGregor on the UFC Ranking.
What's next?
The legal obligations in regards to Conor McGregor's role in the infamous UFC 229 post-fight melee are yet to be received from the Nevada State Athletic Commission. The UFC's lightweight division seems to be in a fix with the absence of both Khabib Nurmagomedov, and Conor McGregor, post their respective temporary exits from the promotion after UFC 229.
When do you think we can see Conor McGregor back in action? Do you think he will serve an abnormally long suspension?
Be sure to leave your thoughts, opinions, and predictions in the comments section below!
