A rematch with Khabib Nurmagomedov is being dangled in front of Conor McGregor if he beats Donald Cerrone tonight.
The Dubliner returns to the octagon for the first time since he was choked out by the undefeated Russian15 months ago.
He is the odds-on favourite to beat Cerrone in a fight being contested at welterweight.
And if he delivers, McGregor will take on the winner of Nurmagomedov's title defence against Tony Ferguson in April.
When asked what's next for the Dubliner, UFC president Dana White said: "He gets what he’s been waiting for. He gets what he’s been asking for.
"He has been chomping at the bit for the Khabib rematch. I think it’s no big secret.
"If he wins this weekend, he will get that shot at the title and it will be the biggest pay-per-view ever in UFC history."
McGregor and Nurmagomedov shared a bitter rivalry in 2018 with the latter insisting he will not grant the Dubliner a second shot.
He said previously: ""It's like the minor leagues - it really doesn't matter who wins there.
"I'm surprised that Dana White is saying that if Conor beats Cerrone and I beat Tony Ferguson that there will be a rematch. I decide who I fight next.
"To fight me he has to cut weight first, down to 70kg, and then win 10 fights in a row like I did, then we'll think about a rematch.
"But for now he can fight second-rate fighters who lose seven out of 10 fights at 77kg, but to think he deserves the lightweight belt... well I'm champion so that won't happen, don't worry."
Nurmagomedov and Ferguson have been matched up for the fifth time after four previous scheduled bouts fell through.
McGregor has said he is willing to step in should one of the pair pull out.
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