Conor McGregor (photo via Twitter)

By FCF Staff

It remains to be seen when the UFC will hold its next event, as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. But, recently Conor McGregor’s striking coach, Owen Roddy relayed he believes the star will fight this summer. In addition, Roddy thinks a showdown with Justin Gaethje is possible.

After McGregor quickly took out Donald Cerrone in January, UFC President Dana White said the former champ would challenge the winner of the April 18th bout between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson. McGregor, however, has said he doesn’t want to wait on the sidelines until late summer, early fall for his next bout.

While it’s not clear right now if Nurmagomedov and Ferguson will still fight next month, recently Roddy spoke with ESPN’s Ariel Helwani. While discussing the pandemic, and McGregor’s next bout, the coach said this (quotes via MMA Fighting).

“Most definitely. That’s the plan hopefully,” Roddy said. “Bring the UFC back to life as well with all these shows being canceled and stuff like that, I think a fight on July 11 would bring the UFC back to life and get everybody back on track. So my fingers are crossed and I’m sure the rest of the world fingers are crossed for that fight.”

“Anyone to be honest but you know, maybe Gaethje,” Roddy said. “There is a lot of talk about Gaethje. I mean, he’s an exciting fighter, Gaethje. I would like to see it, I’m sure you’d like to see it, and I’m sure the rest of the world would like to see it. So yeah, potentially that, but to be honest, anyone. I know Conor is raring to go and everyone will be raring to go by the time July comes around.”

Gaethje, meanwhile, hasn’t fought since September when he stopped Cerrone in the opening round.