Tony Ferguson facing Justin Gaethje at UFC 249 could pave the way for Conor McGregor vs Nate Diaz III.
That's the view of ESPN MMA journalist Ariel Helwani, who believes UFC 249 going ahead next month could take a number of potential opponents off the table for McGregor.
Ferguson had been due to face Khabib Nurmagomedov at the event, which was originally scheduled to take place on April 18, but the lightweight champion pulled out of the fight due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The event is now reportedly set to take place on May 9 and the winner of Ferguson vs Gaethje will face Nurmagomedov later in the year.
Discussing the impact this scenario could have on McGregor and who he faces next, Helwani explained: "If Tony Ferguson vs. Justin Gaethje actually happens on May 9, I feel like Nathan Diaz will be the big winner. How so? Well, let's say Ferguson beats Gaethje.
"That should guarantee a Ferguson-Khabib Nurmagomedov fight in the fall, right?
"It would also knock Gaethje out of a top rankings spot. Who was Gaethje supposed to fight in July? Conor McGregor.
"No chance they do that fight if Gaethje is coming off a loss, right? OK, what if Gaethje wins, you ask? Then he fights Nurmagomedov, right? Again, freeing up McGregor.
"Now, in this scenario, they could do Ferguson vs. McGregor, but I also feel like either May 9 scenario opens the door to make the trilogy fight between Diaz and McGregor.
"So, if May 9 actually happens, don't be surprised if Diaz emerges as a player in the McGregor sweepstakes."
