Conor McGregor's hopes of a title shot when he makes his UFC return have been dealt a blow by Dana White.
The Notorious is set to meet his coach John Kavanagh in January before plotting a return to action after suffering a horror leg break in his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier earlier this year.
McGregor watched Poirirer lose to UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira over the weekend, describing the American's defeat as "embarrassing".
When asked if Gaethje would definitely fight Oliveira next, White replied: "Yeah, it makes sense."
The UFC President paid tribute to the Brazilian after his victory at UFC 269.
He added: "“I always thought he was a tough guy. He’s had some bumps along the way.
“Same thing with Poirier.
"But like I said at the press conference the other day, they’re two blue-collar guys that have grinded their way to the top.
"He went in tonight and beat Dustin, Dustin is a very, very tough, durable, well-rounded guy who has a ton of experience. It was a big night for Oliveira."
McGregor says he will be patient with his injury and is targeting a return shortly after April.
But it now looks almost definite that the Dubliner will not be fighting for the lightweight belt on his return to action.
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