There’s a shadow threatening to envelope this weekend’s UFC 223 — the specter of Conor McGregor.
When Tony Ferguson fell to injury just days ahead of UFC 223, it seemed the MMA Gods were having a good chuckle. For the fourth time, Ferguson vs. Nurmagomedov was scrapped. Khabib Nurmagomedov, one can imagine, was probably somewhere at the AKA gym, bemoaning the turn of events as number one bulls***. And rightfully so, up until the point that Max Holloway was confirmed as Ferguson’s replacement.
Suddenly, UFC 223 had a bigger story line than ever before. As much as dedicated MMA fans had been robbed of a fight they’ve dreamed of for years, a bigger opportunity arose. Max Holloway had a chance to be the next two-division champion. And the specter of Conor McGregor’s return now factored into the event more than ever before.
Not surprisingly, McGregor’s name came up almost instantly. First, by those always quick to criticize the AWOL 155lb champ, in this case for not filling in for Ferguson. Of course, the reality of the business of MMA is that a McGregor fight can’t be marketed in six days. Ticket prices raise when he’s in the cage; UFC 223 in Brooklyn, however, was already on sale of course. Dana White confirmed that time was a factor in not offering the bout to the ‘Notorious’ McGregor — but since no one really pays White much mind these days, it was mostly ignored.
What wasn’t ignored was Khabib immediately calling McGregor out:
Where are you now? @TheNotoriousMMA
— khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) April 1, 2018
Where is the easy question: McGregor was posting training photos just a few days back. When is the real question. When will he return? And with the players now in the main event of UFC 223, there’s a very real possibility that we could have our answer as soon as Saturday night.
Let’s be real for a moment. For all of Tony Ferguson’s trash talking and baiting of McGregor, the fight most wanted to see was McGregor vs. Nurmagomedov, preferably in Russia. The idea — sparked by the Irish champ himself — of McGregor going into enemy territory in Russia was tantalizing. It remains the perfect way for the UFC to break into one of the few territories it has truly struggled to get a foothold in.
Had Ferguson won, and McGregor opted to take that fight… well, it felt like we’d be seeing shades of Alvarez vs. McGregor. A good fight, sold on the strength of McGregor’s persona, but a fight lacking that something special.
In that sense, Holloway stepping up for UFC 223 is a perfect gift for the UFC. Because no matter who wins, a huge fight, a history making fight, awaits. Should Holloway do the unthinkable and become the second man to hold both featherweight and lightweight titles, a Champ Champ vs. Champ Champ battle is then lined up. The potential to make that fight in Hawaii adds to allure. If Khabib wins, to Russia they go.
Then, on Wedneday, Dana White added more fuel to the fire. Conor McGregor, he claimed, will return to the UFC this year. 2018. For realsies.
If there’s any truth to that, it won’t be against Floyd Mayweather in what could be the worst freakshow since James Toney. No, it’s far more likely to be against the winner of Holloway vs. Nurmagomedov.
All the pieces are in place, for the first time in ages. Ferguson’s injury, while terrible for the fighter and his fans, may have been a gift for the UFC. Meanwhile, at UFC 223 this weekend, the specter of McGregor once again looms large.
