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Conor McGregor has been overlooked for the next UFC lightweight title fight, with the promotion announcing a huge championship clash.
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McGregor had appeared to be in the running to face UFC lightweight king Charles Oliveira, despite riding back-to-back defeats to Dustin Poirier.
The Brazilian wanted to face the Irishman, who's set to return in the summer as he recovers from his leg break suffered in his last Octagon outing.
But Dana White and Co have other plans for Oliveira, matching him up with rightful top contender Justin Gaethje.
The blockbuster bout between Oliveira and Gaethje will headline the upcoming UFC 274 card scheduled on May 7.
OLIVEIRA VS. GAETHJE IS ON, per UFC president Dana White. Championship fight will take place May 7, location TBD. What a fight. And Still? And New? pic.twitter.com/MJv2mMaqtK
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) January 26, 2022
It will be Oliveira's second UFC lightweight title defence following his victory over Poirier at UFC 269.
He's on an impressive 10-fight winning streak having beaten the likes of Kevin Lee, Tony Ferguson and Michael Chandler.
As for Gaethje, he earned his shot at UFC gold after out-pointing Chandler in a war.
“Riot canceled” - @Jon_Anik 🇺🇸🥇🌎 Date: May 7th Location: TBD pic.twitter.com/BjsElHaRrn
— Justin Gaethje 🇺🇸 (@Justin_Gaethje) January 26, 2022
It will be his second official UFC title fight having lost to Khabib Nurmagomedov for the undisputed crown.
So, McGregor will have to claim a win before potentially challenging for the 155lbs belt.
And if Oliveira is still in possession of the strap, then Chael Sonnen likes McGregor's chances.
"Charles Oliveira-Conor McGregor is a fascinating matchup. It is very problematic for Oliveira," he explained.
"Conor McGregor is as good of a striker as this sport has ever seen.
"Oliveira is a very dynamic striker who showed some real wrestling prowess in a couple of contests but in other contests didn’t."
McGregor hasn't fought since last summer when he lost to Poirier.
The 'Notorious' held the UFC lightweight title in 2016, but was later stripped due to inactivity.
His last UFC title fight came in his defeat to arch rival Nurmagomedov.
Featured Image Credit: PA/UFC/Conor McGregor
Topics: Conor McGregor, Charles Oliveira, Justin Gaethje, UFC
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