10 Things Conor McGregor Can Do Besides Fight Mayweather
Ever since MMA fighter Conor McGregor announced that he’d cross over into boxing to fight Floyd Mayweather, both have been discussing the details.
The problem right now is that the two sides are too far apart on the money. Mayweather wants at least another $100 million, like he made for fighting Manny Pacquiao, while McGregor wants more than the $25 million offered by Dana White.
Will McGregor and Mayweather ever close the gap on what appears to be a difference worth tens of millions of dollars?
Who knows. But we do have 10 things that McGregor can do if the fight with Mayweather doesn’t work out.
1. McGregor could Fight Manny Pacquiao
The other half of the $500 million bout where Mayweather earned $100m, Pacquiao still remains an attractive draw, even if he’s no longer on top of the world. The Philippine boxing legend is more than open to the prospect. “In boxing? In boxing [I’d fight McGregor] but not in the UFC, just boxing,” said Pacquiao. “I didn’t see footage of Conor sparring. But if we are talking about Conor McGregor and boxing, it’s different. Boxing is different than MMA.”
2. He could Fight Anderson Silva
Almost to the point of desperation, Anderson Silva has floated the idea of “testing his skills” against McGregor. But as Yahoo’s Kevin Iole points out, this proposed match is about money, and it’s downright foolish since Silva fights between 185-205, while McGregor fights at 145-155. Still, seeing the Irishman battle perhaps the greatest UFC fighter ever would be fun.
3. Put on a Sparring Exhibition against “The Mountain”
One of the most-entertaining videos I’ve seen in recent memory involves McGregor dancing around and sparring with strongman Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson – better known as “The Mountain” on HBO’s Game of Thrones. It didn’t look like Björnsson was supposed to throw any punches against McGregor, who weighs 250 pounds less. But the real thing would be a circus show that I’d be willing to pay for.
4. McGregor could Wrestle in the WWE
This one is currently off the table because McGregor turned down a “big offer” to appear in Wrestlemania. Still, it’s not totally outside the lines to think that he would wrestle in the WWE if he doesn’t get the Mayweather fight.
5. Become a Professional Negotiator
How does a guy whose highest-paid UFC match is $3 million suddenly start thinking he’s worth more than $25 million against Mayweather? McGregor refuses to budge until he gets a giant payday, and it feels like he’s going to get far more than $25m.
6. McGregor could Race Horses
“The Notorious” grew up riding horses in the Dublin area. And while he’s a little too big to be a jockey now, McGregor could lose the weight and jump on the saddle. He recently did a naked ride for a horse racing promotional video.
7. McGregor could Fight Carl Frampton
Although not as lucrative as battling Mayweather or Pacquiao, Connor could also set up a fight with Northern Ireland’s undefeated champ Carl Frampton (23-0). The two have a mutual respect for each other and have lightly discussed a bout. But this would be later down the line as Frampton’s star and earning power grow.
8. A Hollywood Star
McGregor has already flirted with Hollywood, appearing in a Call of Duty game and season 7 of Game of Thrones (TBA). He also was set to star alongside Vin Diesel in xXx: Return of Xander Cager, but pulled out of the project. Despite canceling on Diesel, it won’t be hard for The Notorious to earn more acting gigs if he wants them.
9. An Agent for His Hot Sister
Conor McGregor has a pretty hot sister named Aoife, who could appear in movies herself, model, or create workout videos. In either case, McGregor might want to represent her if the gigs start rolling in.
10. Return to the UFC
Knowing that his biggest potential payday is boxing against Mayweather, it’s smart for McGregor to continue pursuing this route. But if he does return to the UFC any time soon, he’s guaranteed to get more than the $3 million tops he made before. And with a 21-3 career MMA record coupled with the lightweight belt, The Notorious could continue expanding his legend.
