Coach: McGregor could 'bring the UFC back to life' in July
Conor McGregor's striking coach expects the UFC star's next fight will take place this summer and mark a triumphant return for the promotion following the coronavirus pandemic.
"That's the plan, hopefully," Owen Roddy told Ariel Helwani's MMA Show on Tuesday. "Bring the UFC back to life, as well, with all of 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. My fingers are crossed, and I'm sure the rest of the world's fingers are crossed for that fight."
Roddy mentioned top lightweight contender Justin Gaethje as a potential opponent for McGregor, but he said he's open to seeing his student take on anybody.
"There's a lot of talk about Gaethje," Roddy said. "He's an exciting fighter. I'd like to see it, and I'm sure you'd like to see it, and I'm sure the rest of the world would like to see that. Potentially that, but to be honest, anyone. I know Conor's ready to go. I know everyone's gonna be ready to go."
On Monday, the UFC postponed its next three events due to the COVID-19 outbreak. But as of now, it's unclear whether other future cards - including UFC 249 on April 18 - will proceed as planned.
McGregor returned to the Octagon in January, defeating Donald Cerrone in 40 seconds at UFC 246. The former two-division champion hadn't fought since his loss to Khabib Nurmagomedov in October 2018, and he hadn't won since the Eddie Alvarez fight in November 2016.
"The Notorious" vowed to fight at least three times in 2020.