UFC president Dana White expects Alexander Volkanovski to challenge Charles Oliveira if he becomes champion again - ruling out a fight with Conor McGregor.
McGregor has not fought in the UFC since breaking his leg last July when suffering a second consecutive defeat by Dustin Poirier. The Irishman will likely have several options upon his return which initially included an immediate 155lb title shot against Oliveira who held the crown when called out originally by the promotion's biggest superstar.
However Oliveira missed weight for his previous win over Justin Gaethje so will be required to fight to reclaim the vacant belt this weekend against Islam Makhachev set for UFC 280 in Abu Dhabi. A lengthy list of challengers will likely look to assert their name for a shot at the belt once a champion has been crowned, but UFC kingpin White does not anticipate it will be McGregor.
"Well it makes sense," White responded during an interview with My Mom's Basement when asked if Volkanovski will be next in line for a 155lb title shot after the belt is won at UFC 280. The New Zealander has reigned as champion at 145lb through several challenges including against Max Holloway and is eyeing a shot at becoming the UFC's latest double champion.
The UFC's current pound-for-pound king did state it was his intention to beat McGregor to a title shot and will attend the fight this weekend as a late replacement, should either Oliveira or Makhachev pull out of the match-up. McGregor first called out Oliveira last year by declaring his intentions to return to the summit of the 155lb division.
Oliveira entertained the call and confirmed he would be available to secure the fight with the permission of the UFC, but McGregor's comeback now looks to be delayed until 2023. The Irishman then appeared to suggest that he would instead move to 170lb calling out Kamaru Usman having ballooned to around 190lb during his rehabilitation programme.
Who would win if the pair did meet - Conor McGregor or Charles Oliveira? Let us know in the comments section below
Despite it now looking unlikely that the showdown will take place, Oliveira has suggested he would even consider a switch up in weight to secure the fight with the 34-year-old. Hey Conor, I want this fight," he said after his most recent win over Gaethje. "I know you want it so are you going to come or are you going to run? I know you're running, so I'm here. Are you going to sign the contract or not?
He then later added: "With Conor, I would fight him at 170. It's all about money and I would like to to make this money fight with him." McGregor then hit back, tweeting: ”I’m not sure I wish to cut the weight. I am really enjoying being built like a refrigerator. I feel I want to fight at this size just to watch it back lol. But I’d love to fight the Brazilian, 100 per cent!"
