Conor McGregor discusses the options for his fighting future

Conor McGregor‘s blockbuster battle with Floyd Mayweather Jr. did not go the way he planned, as he wilted under a storm of 10th-round punches, losing by TKO as a result. All the same, the Irishman’s valiant effort earned him the respect of many in the combat sports community, and his future is looking brighter than ever.

Speaking to the media at the fight’s post-fight presser, McGregor discussed the options for his future, suggesting his next fight could be in the boxing ring, or the UFC’s Octagon.

“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 (h/t MMAFighting.com). “I’m certainly young. Twenty-nine years of age. 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.”

“I have certainly many contenders in the mixed martial arts game,” he continued. “I have a trilogy bout with Nate Diaz that’s sitting there, I have options.”

“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.”

Whatever the case, McGregor is content to enjoy the moment for now.

“I’m just relishing in it for now,” he 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.

“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.”

Do you want to see Conor McGregor compete in boxing or MMA next?

This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 8/27/2017.