Michael Bisping has given his view on whether Conor McGregor deserves another world title shot.
‘The Notorious’ hasn’t fought since his July defeat to Dustin Poirier. The Irishman started strongly, displaying an impressive array of strikes. But it didn’t take long for his American opponent to break him down. McGregor found himself shipping an enormous amount of punishment within the first round as ‘The Diamond’ released an onslaught of strikes from top position.
However, the Dubliner had risen to his feet just before the bell. But in a shocking turn of events, an awkward step caused a catastrophe. McGregor broke his tibia, and proceedings were subsequently brought to an end.
The 33-year-old hopes to return in the first portion of 2022, which has left fans excited to see who his next opponent will be. YouTube sensation Jake Paul has called out McGregor for a boxing match in the past, whilst Michael Chandler has also thrown his hat into the ring.
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However, the rumour mill is rife with speculation that McGregor could receive a title shot in the not too distant future.
Could Conor McGregor actually get another chance at the gold?
In a recent interview with ESPN and Brett Okamoto, UFC president Dana White did not give a definitive answer to the problematic question of whether McGregor would get a title shot instantly.
Read: Conor McGregor earns more money per active minute than any other athlete
When asked whether the UFC star would receive an opportunity to fight for the belt upon his return, the 52-year-old gave a blunt response.
He said: “I don’t know the answer to that question until it gets closer.”
According to his current form, McGregor has no right to compete for the title next. But his numbers don’t lie. He makes a massive amount of money for the UFC. Therefore, it’s no surprise that the company wants him back as their poster boy.
The financial gain of fighting the former champion is massive for any fighter. And that includes the reigning king of the lightweights, Charles Oliveira. He has admitted that he’d be willing to take on McGregor.
The Brazilian wants The Notorious
Oliveira told Sherdog: “May would be a wonderful date. Conor challenged me asking a date, and tweeted Ireland vs Brazil 2.
“Not only him, but also myself and all the world wants to see that fight. So let’s make it happen. I’m waiting for him in May.
“It may be in welterweight, lightweight or middleweight, with my title on the line or not. Just choose, and I’ll be ready.”
Most feel the Sao Paulo native should aim for the best in the division. However, former UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping can fully understand Oliveira’s thought process.
Michael Bisping wants Conor McGregor to get a title shot
Sport is about the best athletes on the planet proving themselves against the best possible opposition. But it’s also about business, and ‘The Count’ understands that. In a recent video on his YouTube channel, Michael Bisping broke down why Charles Oliveira vs Conor McGregor makes sense.
He said: “I’m a prizefighter, and the prize is money. Georges St-Pierre was the biggest prize available to me at that time. Not only a legendary opponent but in terms of pay-per-view dollars, that’s what we all want.
“McGregor said it best himself: red panty night. When you fight McGregor, he’s right. It is red panty night, for lack of a better expression. There’s no bigger star. There’s no bigger prize. There are no bigger or brighter red panties that you can f****g get in fighting Conor McGregor.
“And if you’re Charles Oliveira — coming from the slums of Brazil, from the favelas, through the hardship, the ups, and downs, the adversity that he’s had in his life — and you say to him, ‘Hey, do you want to fight Justin Gaethje? A stone-cold killer, a man with heavy hands, a granite chin. Crazy wrestling. Or do you want to fight Conor McGregor?’
“If I’m Charles Oliveira, I am picking Conor McGregor all day long.”
However, it goes without saying that plenty of other fighters deserve the shot more. But Bisping has a view on them as well.
He explained: “The fights that we want to see, they are the fights UFC put up. So if you’re not happy that Conor McGregor might get to skip the line and fight the champion when he’s not even ranked, don’t blame Conor McGregor, don’t blame Dana White, don’t blame UFC, blame your f*****g self because you are ultimately responsible.”
Who else could Charles Oliveira fight?
There are currently two options for the reigning lightweight champion outside of the Dubliner – Justin Gaethje and Islam Makhachev.
Gaethje has earned his way back to the top after his defeat to Khabib Nurmagomedov. In his last outing at UFC 268 in November, Gaethje defeated Chandler via decision in one of the best fights in MMA history.
Makhachev, meanwhile, has proved that he is one of the most dangerous grapplers in the sport. It took him only two minutes and twenty-five seconds to submit top 10 ranked fighter Dan Hooker to announce himself to the world.
But as much as these two athletes have earned their opportunity to fight for gold, there’s only one man who brings in the top cash – Conor McGregor.
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