Conor McGregor in line for immediate lightweight title shot in UFC return from broken leg if Oliveira beats Makhachev
CONOR MCGREGOR could very well fight for the UFC lightweight title in his eagerly-anticipated return to the octagon.
The Notorious is in the final stages of recovering from the horrific broken leg he suffered in his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier last July.
McGregor vowed to ‘billi’ walk his way into a crack at the 155lb title one month after his injury, which former champ Charles Oliveira is willing to give him if he wins his UFC 280 clash with Islam Makhachev.
Do Bronx told ESPN: “I like the narrative.“It would be perfect. We’ve been asking for this fight in Brazil so hopefully, it works out.
“I really do [think it will happen next year]. That’s the sole reason why I accepted this fight [with Makhachev].
“I know the more victories, the better the chances so this is a step towards that fight.
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“I’d like to leave the Octagon already knowing who I’d be fighting next.
“I’d advise [McGregor] to take very good care of what words he uses [in Brazil], especially when referring to me.”
Oliveira was on the receiving end of a call out from McGregor after defending the lightweight title against Poirier last December.
The Brazilian returned the favour after his submission victory over Justin Gaethje in May, saying: “Dana White, you can put anyone in front of me.
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“I’m not going to choose. Hey, Conor McGregor. Are you coming up? Or are you going to run away?”
McGregor, 34, quickly accepted the offer, saying: “I’d love to fight the Brazilian, 100%!
“I love Brazil and I’m unbeaten against Brazil. All KO’s. I’ve some thinking to do.”
McGregor was expected to return to the octagon by the end of the year but is not capable of kicking properly with his left leg.
And manager Tim Simpson expects him to be back in the octagon early next year.
When asked about McGregor’s role in a remake of Roadhouse, he told MMAJunkie: “A fun little venture then switching back to climbing the mountain again.
“It fits in perfectly. He’s still on track for a big return next year.”
He added: “Acting wasn’t something I think Conor had at the very front of his mind, right now he’s still a world-class athlete and his focus is being the best fighter in the world.
“But as the injury continues to heal and he continues to prepare for a comeback, the timing worked well.
“It’s a great opportunity to do a big Hollywood blockbuster in meantime and he’s going to kill it.
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“The leg is still healing, I think there’s a little bit more to go on that but he’s been training like a madman. Twice a day, every day.
“He’s been training super hard, he’s in amazing shape it’s just the final adjustments to get that leg where it’s supposed to be.”