conor mcgregor
What next for Conor McGregor now?Reuters

UFC Featherweight champion Conor McGregor, fresh off with a victory over Nate Diaz in their rematch at UFC 202, is taking time out from Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) to settle down with his girlfriend Dee Devlin, the Sun reports. The break from UFC could last for at least a year for the Irishman.

McGregor, 28, fights against UFC Lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez for the title at UFC 205 in the New York City, scheduled for November 12. Win or lose, the UFC superstar is off for a temporary break.

There are rumours, meanwhile, that McGregor will be making a huge announcement post his fight against Alvarez.

"He's telling people he wants time out. It's unlikely to be permanent, but the time is right to step back for a while," a source close to McGregor's camp was quoted as saying by the Irish Sun.

"He knows that if he wins UFC 205 he can always come back in a year or two for a mega money fight. He could name his price. He'll be back."

Meanwhile, there are reports that McGregor could be set for a mega fight at the Santiago Bernabeu in Spain, home stadium of La Liga giants. The fight could take place show taking place between May and July next year but with recent reports coming of McGregor taking time off from the sport, it remains to be seen how the situation develops.

McGregor has been striking a friendship with Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo for some time now, and questions are already being asked if their friendship is making the way for the Irishman to have a possible fight at the Bernabeu. Is the Portugal football legend behind it all?