Abdelaziz’s insistence that Gaethje is the frontrunner to face the winner of Nurmagomedov vs Ferguson came shortly after McGregor’s proposed return to the Octagon next year took yet another

twist. Last month, the Irishman declared he’d make his eagerly-awaited return to the cage in the main event of UFC 246 on January 18. Last week, however, the UFC’s official website briefly

showed that UFC 246 would take place in Houston, Texas on February 8, the date Jon Jones is expected to defend his light-heavyweight title against Dominick Reyes. Further doubt was cast over

his comeback date a few hours later when a bout agreement issued to heavyweight Alexey Oleinik showed the first event of 2020 would be a Fight Night event and not a pay-per-view card.