Conor McGregor has joked he missed out on a rematch with Khabib Nurmagomedov this year because he had a hangover.
McGregor had been hoping to face either opponent before the end of 2020 after making his successful comeback against Donald Cerrone in January.
His preference was a match-up with fierce rival Nurmagomedov, who beat the Irishman in their 2018 bout.
However it was announced on Tuesday that UFC lightweight champion Nurmagomedov will defend his title against Justin Gaethje on October 24.
UFC commentator Joe Rogan commented on the announcement, writing on Instagram : "It would be impossible for me to be more excited about this fight.
"The return of the GOAT lightweight king (Nurmagomedov) vs his most dangerous challenger (Gaethje). I can't f****** wait."
McGregor was quick to respond to Rogan's post, writing: "Chill bro, I'd a hangover."
And it seems McGregor will be made to wait longer for another shot at the title.
Gaethje has jumped ahead of The Notorious superstar after beating Tony Ferguson in an impressive display in May.
But Nurmagomedov seemingly has no plans to face McGregor after his clash with Gaethje.
He commented on Rogan's post, saying: "October - Justin and April - GSP (Georges St-Pierre).
The defence against Gaethje will be Nurmagomedov's first since the tragic death of his father Abdulmanap during lockdown.
Nurmagomedov had been scheduled to take on Ferguson in April but the fight was cancelled due to coronavirus, with the champion stuck back in Moscow.
Since then he has been coming to terms with the loss of his father, but Dana White insists the fight with Gaethje will go ahead.
"It's been very rough on him," White told CNN Sports . "His father was a hero to him, he loved his father, they had a very close relationship and it was very hard on him.
"It's going to happen, tell you right here right now. That fight is going to happen."
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