McGregor's comeback was spoiled by Max Holloway when he injured his knee from the first kick he threw at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. McGregor (22-7 MMA, 10-5 UFC) ended up tearing his right ACL and meniscus in a TKO loss.
Aljamain Sterling doesn't think Conor McGregor should face Max Holloway in a trilogy bout after UFC 329. McGregor was initially scheduled to face Michael Chandler at UFC 303 in June 2024, but a broken pinky toe delayed his return. Sterling says that's the fight that should be rebooked once McGregor heals from surgery.
Sterling believes McGregor needs a matchup that will give him his confidence back. "Not at the top level," Sterling said of McGregor. "I think you have to give him a matchup that's going to give him his confidence back, let him see where he's at and where he can compete." Sterling suggests a fight against Chandler, who he thinks is a good stylistic match for McGregor.
Sterling doesn't think McGregor should take the risk of losing to a relatively unknown name and then losing a potential big fight that he could have had. He also doesn't want McGregor to get hurt in a big fight. "Do you want to have the big fight and then get really, really hurt? It depends on him," Sterling said.
Sterling thinks McGregor has plenty of options for his next fight. "The possibilities for McGregor are endless," Sterling said. He mentions Nate Diaz, Jorge Masvidal, and Jake Paul as potential opponents. McGregor is always going to have an aura and enigma about him, Sterling says.
McGregor's comeback has been put on hold due to his injury. He will likely undergo surgery and be out for at least six months. Sterling thinks McGregor will need to strengthen his knees before he can return to competition. "He needs to make sure he balances that out and does everything he needs to get back into somewhat prime form for competition, not just training," Sterling said.
The UFC will have to decide whether to give McGregor a fight sooner rather than later. Sterling thinks McGregor should have fought Chandler in his comeback fight, not Holloway. McGregor's next fight will likely depend on his recovery and the UFC's schedule.
Source: Yahoo Sports
