Conor McGregor is plotting a July return to the UFC to help kick start the company's year after a coronavirus shutdown.
The promotion has already called off events until mid-April due to the coronavirus outbreak, and hopes of the highly anticipated April 18 clash of Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson are fading by the day.
Fresh off a 40-second dismantling of Donald Cerrone and already publicly admitting his desire for a summer bout to line up a lightweight belt shot before the pandemic, McGregor could well be the UFC's saviour.
And according to the Dubliner's striking coach Owen Roddy, July 11 is fancied as a potential return date for the 31-year-old and Justin Gaethje could be on the other side of the cage.
It's no secret that the pair aren't friends, and the American has made it clear that he fancies his chances against the Notorious one.
“I think a fight on July 11 would bring the UFC back to life and get everybody back on track," Roddy told ESPN.
"My fingers are crossed and I’m sure the rest of the world fingers are crossed for that fight.
“Anyone to be honest but you know maybe Gaethje. There is a lot of talks about Gaethje.
"I mean he is an exciting fighter. I would like to see it, I’m sure you’d like to see it and the rest of the world would like to see it.
"Yeah potentially that, but to be honest, anyone. I know Conor is ready to go and everyone will be ready to go by the time July comes around.”
The pair were rumoured to be in talks over a fight last month, and with the UFC hungry for big fights after a potentially lengthly shutdown, this one makes a lot of sense.
