From Conor’s side, the options might be limited in a way that most people don’t understand, if he loses his next fight.
He can fight Nate regardless, that’s true, but he isn’t going to get a title shot vs Khabib, and guys like GSP, Anderson or even Mayweather are not going to touch a contract with an opponent who is 2-4 in his last 6. So that’s all the big fights gone.
What other options does he have? Fighting Lee, Barboza, Gaethje sounds great for the fans, but from Conor’s perspective, these are image-destroying bouts that will only be confirming him as a guy who has fallen off. If he loses, it’s Nate, Aldo, or poss. Max IMO. That’s it. ...unless of course he wants Malignaggi.
If I were Aldo, I would take the rematch, because that’s the fight where he stands to gain the most. But of course, I’m not Aldo.