The most notorious fighters in mainstream combat sports are often going to be linked with a switch to WWE. It’s happened with heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua while his great rival Tyson Fury has already made the move in regards to switching codes.
Rumours linking infamous UFC fighter Conor McGregor with a move to pro wrestling are nothing new and, while the Irishman is focusing on a return to the Octagon right now, there is no shortage of offers when it comes to his next move.
Gaining Notoriety
Those who have made a switch to WWE or are linked from other combat sports tend to be the biggest characters in the game and Tyson Fury is a case in point. The Gypsy King has courted controversy in his time and has fought off his personal demons in order to make a successful return to the ring.
As for Conor McGregor, the fact that his acknowledged nickname is ‘Notorious’ says everything. He’s had a good career in MMA but, while he’s not been the most successful fighter in his sport, a series of incidents inside and outside of the octagon make him the man most likely to be linked with a switch to professional wrestling.
McGregor’s Immediate Focus
The longer term future may be a mystery but at least we know what Conor McGregor’s next move involves. In the early hours of Sunday January 24, the Irishman tops the bill at UFC 257 with his bout against the 32 year old Dustin Poirier. The two men look to be evenly matched on paper but UFC betting odds from sportsbooks linked to asiabet.org make McGregor the clear favourite.
Ante post market options show the man known as ‘Notorious’ as a 4/11 chance while Poirier is out to 11/4 in places. Asiabet.org will continue to monitor those odds and there will be UFC live betting marketsavailable for the fight once the first bell has sounded.
That’s the immediate task in front of Conor McGregor but what will his next move be once UFC 257 is in the history books?
What Happens Next?
Conor McGregor made references to a possible career in WWE as recently as July 2020. In an Instagram post, the Irish fighter appeared to call out CEO Vince McMahon as he uploaded an edited picture of his UFC title alongside a WWE Championship belt. McMahon and his daughter Stephanie were both tagged so the family would have picked up any intended hint.
One potential issue for ‘Notorious’ comes with that reputation and whether or not it crosses a line. In the case of Tyson Fury, there is an edge to his character but, in his early entrance into WWE, the boxer was more of a ‘pantomime villain’ stirring up his potential opponents to add that much needed element of drama. Contrast that approach with that of Conor McGregor on Social Media who, back in 2016, tweeted that he would ‘slap the head’ off the entire WWE roster.
McGregor may need to take that aggressive tone down a notch if he does make the lists but there is certainly a score to be settled among the current crop of WWE fighters.
Return to the Ring?
WWE remains on Conor McGregor’s list of potential next moves but it’s just one of several options. Back in 2017, the Irish fighter headed into the boxing ring in order to take on the undefeated Floyd Mayweather. The legendary boxer was an ageing performer but Mayweather managed to overcome his MMA opponent without too many alarms.
Boxing remains on the table in 2021 with YouTuber turned combat sports participant Jake Paul in line to take on the challenge. Paul continues to call out Conor McGregor via a series of high profile stunts including a $50 million offer and a flypast bearing a provocative message.
Of course, the man known as ‘Notorious’ could simply decide to continue in a sport that provides him with the best chance of success. Ultimate Fighting Championship has provided a good platform for Conor McGregor and the organisation has been patient with him at times. MMA is an obvious choice moving forward but pro wrestling remains on the table even if WWE may not welcome ‘Notorious’ with open arms.