It’s no secret that the UFC have invested a great deal in Conor McGregor. The Irishman has become a superstar in a short amount of time, and is one week away from participating in one of the most anticipated UFC events of all time, against Chad Mendes.
Despite the fight being originally booked as a title bout, the withdrawal of Jose Aldo means that McGregor will have to settle for a interim belt – if he gets past Mendes.
This could be a blessing in disguise for the UFC. If Conor was to win the interim belt, a unification bout against Jose Aldo would undoubtedly break records.
But happens if McGregor loses?
Mendes has lost to Aldo twice, and while a trilogy between the two featherweights is an exciting prospect, it wouldn’t generate anywhere near as much interest as Aldo-McGregor.
Then we have Frankie Edgar, a man whom many believe should be the one taking on McGregor instead of Mendes. The truth is, both men deserve the opportunity.
If Mendes were to come out on top, a number-one contenders bout between Edgar and McGregor could very well be on the cards. Should McGregor lose that bout as well, the hype would be dead, and the dream fight against Aldo would seem out of reach.
In McGregor’s mind, losing isn’t even a possibility.
A win for the Irishman would legitimise him, not only as one of the best in the division but also as the number-one contender. He will have the interim belt to prove it.
However, even if he beats Mendes, there will always be naysayers.
McGregor haters will wet their pyjamas should he lose at UFC 189, and the phrase ‘I told you so’ will echo through out social media.
Then what?
Once people have got over the loss, and McGregor is booked for another bout, will it generate as much hype? Will people take him seriously?
McGregor recently went on Conan O’Brien and promised he would dismantle both Chad Mendes in MMA and Floyd Mayweather in a boxing match.
A win for McGregor at UFC 189 is good for business, it’s good for the UFC, and yes, it’s good for the growth of the sport. However, a loss for McGregor could potentially kill the interest he generates, and turn the charismatic Irishman into just another fighter on the roster.
On the other hand, it could mean nothing. McGregor could take the loss on the chin and still go on to break records en route to another title shot.
My guess is that if he loses, Conor McGregor would keep on being Conor McGregor, but there’s a good chance he may not be relevant until the Aldo-Mendes chapter is closed.
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