Charles Oliveira has been warned Conor McGregor could cause problems for the Brazilian in a UFC title defence because of his dominant striking.
The Irish star is looking to make a historic comeback to the lightweight division after he completes his recovery from a broken leg suffered against Dustin Poirier last year.
He has demanded an immediate title shot against Oliveira on his return as he looks to claim another lightweight crown.
And UFC analyst Chael Sonnen believes McGregor remains the biggest star in the sport and will be able to secure a shot if Oliveira's head is turned in his direction.
"If there's anybody that Conor [McGregor] is likely to beat to become the world champion, it is the sitting champion right now," Sonnen said on his YouTube channel.
"Charles Oliveira-Conor McGregor is a fascinating matchup. It is very problematic for Oliveira.
" Conor McGregor is as good of a striker as this sport has ever seen. Oliveira is a very dynamic striker who showed some real wrestling prowess in a couple of contests but in other contests, didn't.
"Conor can handle himself on the ground and can certainly handle himself on his feet but the in between has been a huge issue for high-level guys. Is Oliveira really a high-level guy? I don't have the answer for you but I know the fans are in for something incredible.
"Oliveira's plans next do matter particularly when it lines up with the biggest star in the sport. If the champion wants what the biggest star in the sport wants it makes sense to bring these things together.
"Anything in life be very careful what you ask for as you just might get it with Conor. This isn't me being a Conor supporter. I like the guy but I just don't want him to jump in the deep end straight away."
McGregor has suffered a significant decline in his recent octagon appearances with just one victory in his last four outings.
This came back in 2020 against Donald Cerrone with McGregor having lost twice to Poirier since in addition to a defeat to Khabib Nurmagomedov in 2018.
Should Conor McGregor be next in line for a shot at Charles Oliveira? Let us know in the comments section below
He has dropped to ninth position in the UFC's lightweight rankings behind the likes of Islam Makhachev and Justin Gaethje who are both expected to be ahead in the queue for a title shot.
McGregor teased a bout with Oliveira on social media, firing a dig at Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar in the process as he looks for the ultimate redemption later this year.
Brazilian star Oliveira has admitted that he is "waiting" for official confirmation of his next planned opponent but is willing to face McGregor to secure a lucrative payday.
"May would be a wonderful date. Conor challenged me asking a date, and tweeted Ireland vs. Brazil 2," he told Sherdog.
"Not only him, but also myself and all the world wants to see that fight. So let's make it happen. I'm waiting for him in May.
"It may be in welterweight, lightweight or middleweight, with my title on the line or not. Just choose and I'll be ready.But I'm a UFC employee. If they choose that I should fight Gaethje next, I’ll be ready too."
