Who’s In Line to Fight McGregor?

Love or hate Conor McGregor, it doesn’t matter. With baited breath, every MMA fan has waited for the ultra-highly anticipated showdown between the Irish big-talker and UFC featherweight champ Jose Aldo.

But with news Aldo is potentially injured and the possibility of moving the title fight from July to October being raised, McGregor’s shot at the crown may be on hold.

However, McGregor’s spot on the upcoming Las Vegas may still be there. Who stands across from him is up for discussion and the campaigning is underway:

Front-runner: Frankie Edgar
One of the most beloved figures in MMA and a former champion, Edgar has won four straight and all in convincing fashion including his dominant performance against Urijah Faber back in May.

Pro: Makes the most sense.
Con: Makes the most sense (that often doesn’t work in MMA) … And Edgar isn’t typically the kind of guy who will spit venom, and a quiet foe will detract from McGregor’s dialed-up verbosity.

Contender: Max Holloway
The “Blessed” Hawaiian is on a tear with six straight wins in his pocket
Pro: Battled McGregor to a unanimous decision loss two years ago and decisions always leave something left undone.
Con: Booked to main event UFC’s debut in Saskatchewan in August though that’s not exactly a difficult card-topper to replace

Contender: Charles Oliveira
“Do Bronx” could do some damage here as he’s finished 18 foes in 20 victories and boasts four straight wins

Pro: Has got some swagger which could fit well against McGregor’s bravado
Con: See Holloway … Losses to both Frankie Edgar and Jeremy Stephens

Contender: Urijah Faber
One of the UFC’s biggest company men which means he’s ready always ready, and he’s fought on the big stage countless times

Pro: Maybe not as boastful as McGregor but certainly has loads of swagger and has a huge fanbase to counteract the Irish mob
Con: Coming off sluggish loss against Frankie Edgar

Doubtful: Jeremy Stephens and Cub Swanson
Pro: Both present stiff opposition with their offensive abilities and ‘let’s throw down’ attitude
Con: Both have lost two in a row

Longshot: Clay Guida
Pro: If there’s anyone out there who could rattle McGregor’s cage, it might be “The Carpenter” who defines relentless plus a Guida-McGregor face off at the weigh-in should be magical
Con: Further down the rankings than other potential foes