3 Bold Predictions for UFC 246: Conor McGregor vs Cowboy Cerrone

Around the sports world, all eyes Saturday night will be on the Octagon for the Ultimate Fighting Championship's first fight card of 2020. The welterweight main event between Conor McGregor and Donald Cerrone will surely capture the attention of millions of viewers around the world, but that's not the only intriguing plot in store for MMA fans. With that in mind, here are three bold predictions to watch out for at UFC 246.

1. Maycee Barber Demands Her Title Shot

21-year-old Maycee Barber (right) can claim another scalp against Roxanne Modafferi Saturday night. / Steve Marcus/Getty Images

Is she anywhere near ready for an opponent like Valentina Shevchenko? Perhaps not. But if up-and-coming women's flyweight star Maycee Barber is able to continue her run of knockout finishes, and she dominates the fight in the process, who is to say Dana White doesn't give her a chance. She is extremely confident in her abilities, and at just 21 years of age, she's money in the bank in terms of marketability.

2. Anthony Pettis Prevails, Sets Up Rematch With Nate Diaz

Anthony "Showtime" Pettis has a date with Diego Ferreira at UFC 246 / Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

When was the last time a ranked guy was doubted this much in a pay-per-view fight? Anthony Pettis will have a lot to prove his doubters when he kicks off Saturday night's main card against betting favorite Diego Ferreira. If Showtime is able to get his career back on track, expect him to seek revenge against the fighter who last bested him, Nate Diaz. Dana White will have to consider that one long and hard.

3. Conor McGregor Will Retire in the Octagon if He Loses

Conor McGregor-Donald Cerrone faceoff. pic.twitter.com/AzQtdD3xXb
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) January 16, 2020

Seriously, hear us out! This scenario isn't even so bold if you've watched Conor McGregor the last few years. The Irish superstar is an excellent businessman and showman, and is careful only to take opportunities that boost his brand. If he gets embarrassed by an aging Donald Cerrone, that may as well be the final blow for him as a UFC fighter -- he will suddenly have lost three of his last five bouts (not even including his boxing stunt against Floyd Mayweather), and will no longer have any case to state for a lightweight title rematch against Khabib Nurmagomedov. We're not guaranteeing this will happen... but be prepared just in case we witness a stunner.