India, Sept. 3 -- Conor McGregor could have another blockbuster UFC fight waiting for him if Justin Gaethje gets his way. The newly crowned UFC lightweight champion has named McGregor as his preferred opponent for his first title defence, choosing the former two-division champion over rematches with Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira. Gaethje, who stunned Ilia Topuria to win the undisputed lightweight title at UFC Freedom 250 at the White House in June, was asked about his options and pointed towards McGregor with a line that is already grabbing headlines: "So I guess McGregor. Fun to shut him up."

However, there is sizeable catch in this situation. Neither fighter is expected to return to the Octagon in 2026. Gaethje is recovering from h...