5 potential opponents for Conor McGregor when he returns

#4. Dustin Poirier vs. Conor McGregor 4

UFC 257 Poirier v McGregor: Weigh-Ins

Another option for Conor McGregor when he returns is a fourth bout with Dustin Poirier. Based on how their two fights in 2021 ended, it may seem unlikely that a fourth bout will materialize.

However, the aftermath of their trilogy bout could prompt the UFC into booking a fourth fight. After all, the trilogy bout ended via doctor's stoppage, unlike their two previous bouts that ended with decisive knockouts. UFC President Dana White even told the media that he was open to booking a fourth fight when McGregor returns.

Poirier being McGregor's first opponent when he returns will all depend on what happens at UFC 269. Poirier is scheduled to challenge Charles Oliveira for the UFC lightweight belt in the main event. If 'The Diamond' comes up short, a fourth bout with McGregor could take place immediately after as the timing would work out.

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#3. Conor McGregor vs. Max Holloway 2

Max Holloway v Alexander Volkanovski

If the UFC chooses to go in another direction for McGregor's return bout, Max Holloway is an opponent that'd make sense. Holloway is coming off an incredible win over Yair Rodriguez and could earn another UFC featherweight title opportunity in the near future.

Although Holloway is viewed as the No. 1 contender in the featherweight division, he seemed more open to accepting other fights. Instead of pursing a trilogy bout with Alexander Volkanovski, who has defeated him twice. Holloway has hinted that he may have aspirations of competing at lightweight.

With McGregor still recovering from injury, Holloway could use the time to recover and get his body acclimated to a new weight class. Holloway's last outing at lightweight was in 2019, when he fought Poirier for the interim UFC lightweight championship.

With Holloway's legacy very much in-tact at 145 lbs, he may be looking to pursue another belt to add to his legacy. Meanwhile, Conor McGregor recently posted a video of himself seemingly staring down 'Blessed' through a TV screen.

Similar to McGregor's rematches with Poirier, the first fight with Holloway took place at featherweight early on in both their careers. It'd be interesting to see how a rematch between McGregor and Holloway would play out. Holloway has evolved and become a significantly better striker since their first bout, so it would make for a fun slugfest.