Conor McGregor's next fight: Will UFC 229 star face Khabib Nurmagomedov again?

McGregor appeared to confirm on Twitter that he wanted a rematch with Nurmagomedov.
The pair fought on Saturday evening in Las Vegas
Getty Images
Tom Herbert8 October 2018

Conor McGregor's long-awaited return to the Octagon was one of UFC's most anticipated fights in the sport's history.

But what should have been a showcase for the sport ended up becoming embroiled in controversy after a brawl broke out following the fight.

The Irishman was completely outclassed by Khabib Nurmagomedov and tapped out midway through the fourth round.

But events that followed completely overshadowed Nurmagomedov's win after the Russian climbed out of the cage and attacked one of McGregor's team.

Conor McGregor was beaten in the fourth round
Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

His actions sparked a riot with McGregor appearing to strike members of Nurmagomedov's team, before two of them jumped into the Octagon and attacked McGregor.

UFC President Dana White refused to give the belt to Nurmagomedov fearing a riot while three people were arrested and released without charge following the ugly scenes.

But with McGregor still one of UFC's main attractions, what happens next for the sport and who will he fight next?

Khabib Nurmagomedov

McGregor himself appeared to confirm a rematch was on the cards after tweeting on Sunday morning: "Good knock. Looking forward to the rematch."

According to media reports McGregor is eager for the rematch to be held in his hometown of Dublin.

Saturday's fight is expected to break UFC viewing records so this could be likely.

Khabib Nurmagomedov of Russia is escorted out of the arena after the brawl
Getty Images

But will Nurmagomedov be allowed to fight again?

White confirmed in a post-fight press conference that the Nevada State Athletic Commission had withheld Nurmagomedov's payment pending an investigation into the post-fight melee.

McGregor has decided not to press charges after the brawl broke out following the fight in Las Vegas.

But given what happened over the weekend, the UFC may be reluctant to host a rematch, while the Russian could have his belt stripped and face a lengthy suspension.

Nate Diaz

Diaz and McGregor embrace following their bout
AP

The pair have fought each other twice before, with both sides winning once so this could be an exciting proposition.

Both have welcomed the idea of a trilogy fight. Diaz is in action for the first time since his rematch defeat to the Dubliner against Dustin Poirier at UFC 230 on 3 November.

Tony Ferguson

Interim UFC Lightweight champion Tony Ferguson is not a fan of McGregor and is ranked number two in the lightweight rankings.

Perhaps the most realistic of rumoured opponents, Ferguson has seen his fights with Nurmagomedov called off on four separate occasions.

Anderson Silva

One of the greatest UFC fighters of all-time, this could be an incredible bout for the sport.

But at 43 Silva's best days are arguably behind him and despite the pair seemingly keen on a fight, this match could be a long shot.

Given Silva has spent the majority of his career fighting at middleweight, it would also require McGregor to make a sizeable move up the weight classes.

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