Dana White Explains Why Conor McGregor Will Get Title Shot If He Beats Donald Cerrone

UFC lightweight Justin Gaethje called the idea of Conor McGregor moving ahead of him in the title picture a "crock of shit" but UFC president Dana White has explained his decision.

McGregor hasn't been back in the Octagon since his fourth round humbling at the hands of Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 229 in October 2018 but will make his return against Donald 'Cowboy' Cerrone at UFC 246 on January 18 in Las Vegas.

The Notorious fighter is returning at welterweight, the division he fought Nate Diaz in twice, and is widely reported to be keen on slugging it out with BMF champion Jorge Masvidal in the future.

Image: PA

But according to White, McGregor favours a rematch with Khabib at 155lbs for the UFC lightweight title if the Dagestani fighter overcomes Tony Ferguson in their long-awaited bout in April.

And much to Gaethje's frustration, the UFC are prepared to give him it should he beat Cerrone, the man with the most wins in UFC history, next month.

"First of all, let's not count 'Cowboy' out," White told ESPN's Brett Okamoto.

"Come on guys, Conor, I mean look what McGregor has done over the last however many years, right? And then he loses to Khabib, in a fight that was you know, when you talk about bad blood, that was like next level of bad blood. You know Gaethje is on his way up too. We've offered Gaethje a lot of fights that Gaethje hasn't taken either. So, Conor is in line next for this title if he beats 'Cowboy'."

The second bout with the undefeated Khabib is undoubtedly the money match for UFC given the animosity between the pair, but there are a whole host of exciting opportunities for former two-weight world champion McGregor.

UFC featherweight champion Max Holloway is keen on a rematch in the future but wants to see the best version of McGregor upon his return.

"If Mystic Mac arrives and if he wants to be like what he was a couple of years ago when he was the greatest mixed martial artist in the world, and he wants to be great again, sure we're going to run in to each other," Holloway told MMA Junkie, as per South China Morning Post.

"If his mind is right and he wants to be the best, I'm sure we'll run into each other."

Is it right for McGregor to slot back into the title picture if he wins his comeback fight?

Sound off in the comments.

Topics: Conor Mcgregor, Justin Gaethje, UFC News, MMA News, UFC, MMA, Dana White

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

@https://twitter.com/JoshLawless_