5 opponents Conor McGregor must fight before retiring

Conor McGregor is the biggest star the sport of MMA has ever seen. Any opponent he faces is immediately elevated into mainstream attention and usually receives a significantly bigger payday than they would get fighting anyone else.

However, some have suggested that McGregor's time at the top of the sport could soon be up. McGregor has now lost three of his last four UFC bouts. At 33-years-old, it's not inconceivable that 'The Notorious' could be beginning to slow down.

On top of this, McGregor has 'retired' from the sport on a number of occasions in the past. Given the success he has enjoyed, he certainly has no need to continue fighting longer than he desires.

With that being said, McGregor could conceivably keep fighting for the best part of the next 10 years. There is little to suggest that his recent mixed results are causing his popularity to take a hit.

The sport is certainly better when 'The Notorious' is involved so hopefully we will get many years yet of McGregor competing at a high level. If that does prove to be the case, there are plenty of opponents the Irishman has yet to face that would produce compelling matchups for fans everywhere.

Here are five matchups we simply must get to see before Conor McGregor eventually retires:

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#5. Conor McGregor vs. Paddy Pimblett

Pimblett knocked out Luigi Vendramini in his UFC debut

This one might seem like a bizarre choice at first given Paddy Pimblett has only had one fight in the UFC thus far. However, particularly in the UK MMA scene, fans have dreamt of a clash between these former Cage Warriors featherweight champions for some time.

Pimblett's career thus far does seem to share a number of similarities with that of 'The Notorious'. Both fighters built a substantial following in Cage Warriors before making big splashes in their respective UFC debuts.

While it may be tricky for Pimblett to cement himself as a big enough star to command a shot at Conor McGregor right now, he certainly seems to be on course for it. If the pair were to meet in the octagon, it would undoubtedly be the biggest fight in the history of British & Irish MMA.

#4. Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler

Chandler lost to Justin Gaethje via unanimous decision in his last fight

There are some that feel Conor McGregor could face Michael Chandler in his next UFC bout. While it remains to be seen if that will be the case, it would certainly be a shame if we never got to see these two entertaining fighters square off in the octagon.

Chandler has indicated he is keen to take on McGregor. He has also stated he would be open to fighting at 170 lbs, which likely boosts the chance of us one day getting to see these two fight.

The pair are known for their entertaining fighting styles and a bout between the pair would guarantee fireworks. This fight also makes a great deal of sense contendership-wise if McGregor decides to make another run at the UFC lightweight champioernship.

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#3. Conor McGregor vs. Charles Oliveira

Oliveira submitted Dustin Poirier in his most recent bout

Should Conor McGregor get another UFC lightweight title fight, there's a good chance that Charles Oliveira will be there waiting for him. The current champion has looked exceptional since winning the belt earlier this year.

No sooner had Oliveira successfully defended his belt over Dustin Poirier at UFC 269, than Conor McGregor began calling for a fight with the Brazilian.

Many may feel McGregor doesn't deserve an immediate title shot given his last win at lightweight was in 2016. However, 'The Notorious' is so popular that the UFC may very well give him what he wants.

Whether it is in his next fight or further down the line, it would be a real shame if we never get to witness Conor McGregor and Charles Oliveira fight.

#2. Conor McGregor vs. Tony Ferguson

Ferguson lost to Beneil Dariush via unanimous decision last time out

Conor McGregor versus Tony Ferguson makes all the sense in the world for the Irishman's next UFC bout. They are two of the most popular fighters in the UFC and are currently ranked at No.9 and No.7 respectively in the lightweight rankings.

While Ferguson is now on a three-fight skid, his defeats have come at the hands of elite lightweights in Justin Gaethje, Charles Oliveira and Beneil Dariush. Not so long ago, he was on a ridiculous 12-fight win streak, so a fight with McGregor still seems like an appealing matchup.

These two fan favorites have entertained UFC fans everywhere for years and it's a little surprising we have not seen them fight already. Here's hoping that we finally get to see Conor McGregor vs. Tony Ferguson in 2022.

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#1. Conor McGregor vs. Rafael dos Anjos

Dos Anjos beat Paul Felder via split decision last time out

'The Notorious' was meant to face Rafael dos Anjos at UFC 196 back in 2016. Instead, dos Anjos got injured, paving the way for the Conor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz fight and rematch that is arguably the most famous rivalry in all of MMA.

Rafael dos Anjos was the lightweight champion heading into that bout and came just weeks from earning the biggest payday of his life in the fight with McGregor. The Brazilian has fought a who's who of elite fighters at both 155 and 170 lbs but has still not been able to get his shot at 'The Notorious'.

The pair have both appeared keen to eventually settle their rivalry in the years since then but it does seem like we may be running out of time. It would be a great shame if we never got an answer to one of the great 'What if?' moments in UFC history.