What's Next For Conor McGregor? Irish Star May Consider Boxing Or MMA

Conor McGregor gave fans their fix when he finally stepped into the ring with boxing champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. on Saturday in Las Vegas. The UFC champion may have lost the fight by a TKO in the 10th round, but that may not deter him from possibly leaving MMA for boxing.

McGregor, 29, came out aggressive in the opening rounds against the 40-year-old Mayweather. But the UFC champ's inexperience proved to be his downfall, as Mayweather stayed in contention until the late rounds to take advantage of the fatigued Irish star. Mayweather connected on more punches, out-landing McGregor, 170 to 111, according to CompuBox statistics.

"I thought I took the early rounds pretty easy," McGregor said. "He's composed. He's not that fast, he's not that powerful. But boy, is he composed."

McGregor may have lost to in his only professional fight, but that may not deter him from leaving mixed martial arts for a career in boxing. McGregor spoke at the post-fight press conference at T-Mobile Arena and was mum on his next move, possibly leaving the door wide open for more bouts as a junior middleweight.

"I’m certainly open to hearing what WME-IMG, what they want, and what Showtime wants, and if they want me to come over to boxing then we can talk," McGregor said. "I don’t think the boxing world or the fighting world has seen a man as confident as this come in at this age and with this amount of accolades and this amount of records and this amount of revenue generated. So I’m certainly open to all options."

McGregor seemed to reveal that his future is open to many possibilities. "People ask me what’s next. I’m not quite sure what’s next. I have multiple titles in the UFC to think about and I could always continue in the boxing game so what’s next for me is to continue to study and continue to learn."

McGregor has often shown a willingness to explore his options. He even threatened to leave MMA in 2016 when he suffered his first loss to UFC veteran Nate Diaz during the main event at UFC 196.

"I have decided to retire young. Thanks for the cheese. Catch ya's later," McGregor tweeted.

He never officially called it quits after that tweet but it may be hard for him to go back into the octagon after receiving his massive payout from the Mayweather bout. Though it's still unclear how much he received, McGregor was expected to make more than $100 million from Saturday's fight.

Saturday's megafight produced a record windfall and there's no doubt that fans would flock to another McGregor boxing match. But McGregor made a name for himself in mixed-martial arts, and it's unclear if he can achieve the same success in boxing that he's had in MMA. McGregor has won 21 MMA fights and lost just three, and last year he became the first UFC fighter to hold two championship titles simultaneously.

"I’m just relishing in it for now, McGregor said. "I have many options in mixed-martial arts. I’m sure there’s options now that will present themselves in the boxing game. Right now I’m a free agent, my name is on the ring. McGregor Sports and Entertainment on a boxing ring, that’s something. I’m very proud of that. So I’ll see what’s next, but I’m open."

McGregor is likely to size up the competition in both MMA and boxing, and find the best opponent and best financial opportunity from either sport. McGregor, who last fought in UFC on Nov. 12, 2016, reportedly has four fights on his contract, which is reportedly worth up to $20 million per fight, not including pay-per-view revenue.

"I love competing. I love a good fight. Tonight was a damn good fight and that’s why you’re seeing me up here showing my heart. I enjoyed myself and that’s it. Long may it continue. I can’t tell you exactly what’s next, but know something will be next," McGregor said Saturday.