CONOR McGREGOR has thrown his trilogy bout with Dustin Poirier in doubt after claiming ‘the fight is off’.
McGregor, who knocked out the American in 2014, enjoyed a cordial build-up to their rematch in January.
So much so, that he vowed to donate $500,000 to Poirier’s ‘The Good Fight Foundation’, before he himself was stopped to level the series.
But McGregor was accused of not following up with his pledge, despite revealing he was waiting for a payment plan.
The two have gone back and forth online, which resulted in the Irishman calling off the fight – though it is not yet clear how series that threat is.
But just in case, here SunSport lists five potential alternatives for McGregor.
Justin Gaethje
The pair were in line to fight in the summer of 2019 until an injury kept McGregor out for the year.
Gaethje went on to beat Donald Cerrone and Tony Ferguson before losing to Khabib Nurmagomedov for the lightweight title.
McGregor has a personal feud with the American, after he was called ‘s*** human and parent’.
It led to McGregor responding: “I am going to f*****g butcher you. Your teeth. I’m going to put them on a f*****g necklace. Speak on my skills as a father? You are f*****g dead.”
It would leave to a blockbuster grudge match with their styles promising all-action.
Michael Chandler vs Charles Oliveira winner
After Khabib’s retirement was made official, he was stripped of the belt.
With Poirier preferring a rematch with McGregor, the UFC turned to Chandler and Oliveira to challenge for the vacant belt on May 15.
With McGregor planning to stay on track for July 10, his starpower could be enough to convince the UFC to put him in with the new champion.
It would be a stretch for the winner to return so quickly, and harsh on Poirier, but stranger things have happened.
Chandler also confirmed his interest in the proposal, as he tweeted: “May 15 and July 10…book it!”
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Nate Diaz vs Leon Edwards winner
McGregor and Diaz share one of the greatest rivalries in UFC history after their 2016 double header.
Despite a win for each, a trilogy decider has failed to materialise.
Diaz recently announced he will return against Leon Edwards, meaning he would be unavailable to face McGregor next.
But a win for the fan-favourite sets him up perfectly with his old rival, Edwards on the other hand does not have any history with McGregor.
Having said that, he is the No1 UFC star in England, and could push to sell out Wembley Stadium with The Notorious, which could break an attendance record.
Jorge Masvidal vs Kamaru Usman winner
Usman again defends his welterweight title against Masvidal, as the rivals headline UFC 261 on April 24.
McGregor was called out by Masvidal last year as their styles and personalties has the formula for box office success.
Usman on the other hand offers the Irish star the chance to make history by becoming the first ever three-division UFC champ.
The 170lb king has traded words with McGregor before and along with his belt it is more than enough to drive demand.
Whoever wins at the end of the month is a viable option for McGregor, who would again move up to welterweight.
Manny Pacquiao
McGregor made his boxing debut in 2017, losing to Floyd Mayweather in ten rounds – and has since flirted with a return to the ring.
Himself and Pacquiao – both signed to management group Paradigm Sports – were close to signing to fight each other this year.
That was until McGregor was beaten by Poirier, and admitted he focussed too much on boxing, with one eye on the PacMan clash.
Despite that, if The Notorious is in need for a stopgap opponent, no one offers a more lucrative payday than Pacquiao.
The Filipino icon is currently searching for an opponent too, and offers McGregor the chance to stay active and receive another unprecedented payday.
