5 UFC title fights that must happen in 2017 to restore legitimacy to the UFC

Conor McGregor vs Khabib Nurmagomedov/Tony Ferguson

Conor McGregor’s next course of action could be one of his most vital

Perhaps owing to the expanse of Conor McGregor’s fame, anything that the man does is relentlessly scrutinized, opined and commented upon. Like many larger-than-life figures in the world, the Irishman has developed a swathe of devoted supporters and dismissive detractors in equal measure.

While some revel in awe at his nonchalant disposal of thoroughly legitimate Champions in both Featherweight and Lightweight, others crib endlessly at how he holds the entire divisions “hostage” while he picks stylistically suitable battles.

That opinion, worryingly widespread though it may have been before his UFC 205 obliteration of Eddie Alvarez, can be wiped out once and for all should he fight the winner of the title eliminator between Tony Ferguson and Khabib Nurmagomedov that is in the works.

Both Tony Ferguson and Khabib Nurmagomedov are battle-hardened fighters who are the two most deserving contenders for McGregor’s title. Ferguson has been on a tear, winning 9 straight fights on the trot, while the undefeated Nurmagomedov’s prowess in the grappling department is unparalleled.

As it stands now, McGregor is on a sabbatical impending the birth of his first child. This leaves Ferguson and Nurmagomedov to presumably battle it out for the interim title with a view to unite both belts when the Irishman eventually returns.

Although the scenario sounds hunky dory on paper, the inclusion of Nate Diaz into the discussion may throw a spanner into the works.

The high-profile trilogy fight between Diaz and McGregor is a question of when rather than if, and knowing McGregor’s penchant of chasing the money fights, the prospect of a showdown against Nurmagomedov or Ferguson is up in the air.

McGregor’s blood feud against Diaz can be settled anytime, but should his star continue on its meteoric arc, it would direly require the levity that a title defense against the most deserving contender espouses.

Being the most marketable symbol of the UFC and by extension, the foremost ambassador for MMA in the mainstream sphere, Conor McGregor’s direction in 2017 has much bearing on whether the sport will be viewed as a watered-down variant to boxing, or its eventual replacement in the years to come.

Possessing a mind almost as sharp as his left hand, it shouldn’t be too hard a concept to grasp for him.