Masvidal Favored To Be Conor McGregor’s Next Opponent

For anybody that was wondering whether Conor McGregor had anything left in the tank or if he’d be dealing with some ring rust, it took only 40 seconds for him to remind the world of just how dangerous of a fighter he is. McGregor needed only 40 seconds to score a first-round TKO win over Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone at UFC 246 in Las Vegas on Saturday night. Some people thought McGregor might struggle jumping up in weight but there were no issues there. The question becomes who will he fight next and at what weight?

Naturally, Dana White and company are already bandying about a rematch with Khabib Nurmagomedov but he’s got to take care of Tony Ferguson first. In the meantime, McGregor might have to take on one other fighter before he gets his shot a rematch. Let’s take a look at who is favored to be McGregor’s next opponent:

JORGE MASVIDAL
ODDS: -200

According to the oddsmakers at BetOnline.ag, Jorge Masvidal is favored to be McGregor’s next opponent. He was in the stands on Saturday at UFC 246 wearing Conor McGregor’s robe, which was a bit bizarre. It seems like he was trying to send a message that’s been received.

Both McGregor and Masvidal have expressed a desire to face one another sometime in the very near future. After McGregor’s lopsided win, it seems like Masvidal makes the most sense as his next opponent. Masvidal has been on a tear with three straight wins – all by knockout.

KHABIB NURMAGOMEDOV
ODDS: +300

There is no doubt that McGregor wants another shot at the champion Nurmagomedov, who took their initial matchup via submission on one of the wildest and most bizarre nights in UFC history. Khabib is scheduled to face Tony Ferguson in April in a fight that he is favored to win (-225). While a victory for Khabib could set up a possible rematch with McGregor, it might take a little longer before the champion agrees to that matchup. While Masvidal deserves to be the favorite for this futures line, Nurmagomedov is the best value pick to become McGregor’s next opponent at +300 odds. This is the fight that would bring the UFC the most money.

NATE DIAZ, TONY FERGUSON
ODDS: +1000

Rounding out the list of McGregor’s potential opponents is a series of longer shots including Justin Gaethje, Kamaru Usman, Nate Diaz, Ferguson and even Floyd Mayweather Jr..

Gaethje and Usman have each expressed a desire to face off with McGregor. However, the truth is that there are better options on the board. One name that really stands out is Diaz at +1000. McGregor and Diaz split the first two meetings of a rivalry that has been loaded with vitriol. A third and final showdown to settle the score forever makes a lot of sense. However, Diaz is fresh off a rough loss to Masvidal.

Another option that makes sense is Ferguson. This could happen if Ferguson beats Khabib in April, or if Khabib suffers some sort of injury that sidelines him long term. Ferguson is 25-3 and is riding a 12-fight winning streak.

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