Conor McGregor's coach John Kavanagh has hinted the Irishman could be set to replace long-term rival Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 249.
Tony Ferguson is due to fight Nurmagomedov on April 18 in New York for the UFC lightweight title.
But Nurmagomedov is currently stranded in his native Russia where he is in coronavirus lockdown, and no flights going in or out of the country.
UFC president Dana White is keen for the event to still go ahead, but is preparing for the Russian not to be involved.
That could open the door for McGregor to make his second appearance following his comeback, and Kavanagh has teased it could be a realistic possibility.
ESPN's Ariel Helwani suggested Justin Gaethje is in line to step in to face off with Ferguson.
But when Helwani asked his Twitter followers whether Ferguson should take on Gaethje or wait for Khabib, Kavanagh was quick to respond.
"Maybe there's a third option," Kavanagh wrote.
His comment sparked rumours McGregor could be a wild card to step in and fight Ferguson.
Nurmagomedov said on his Instagram : "Currently, I am in Dagestan and I am training and preparing every day, although I don't know what am I preparing for, because after we came to Russia we also learned that the borders are going to be locked.
"Same as the States, same in Europe, Emirates - everywhere. The whole world is in quarantine right now.
“So now I am hearing that they are looking to organise it with or without me. OK, go ahead.
“I am even hearing that they are looking for an opponent for Tony, because he is in the States and I am here in Russia. But I am here not on my own will."
Drafting in McGregor at this stage would be a shock move, but it seems the 31-year-old was prepared for the eventuality that the fight would not go ahead.
After all this is the fifth occasion that Ferguson and Nurmagomedov were due to fight, only for it not to happen, and McGregor could be poised to step in.
White said in January: "Here’s the thing — realistically, Conor believes that Khabib vs. Tony Ferguson will not happen.
“We’ve tried to do this fight many, many times. Conor believes it won’t happen.
“Conor wanted to do this fight at 170 because he wants to turn right around and jump right in and fight Khabib if that fight doesn’t happen."
