Conor McGregor will NOT be fighting Charles Oliveira in his comeback bout, with the UFC Lightweight Champion instead taking on Justin Gaethje.

There has, remarkably, been discussion about McGregor returning from his lengthy injury hiatus to challenge Oliveira for his lightweight title – without any sort of prior warm-up fight.

That not only looked like a recipe for disaster for Conor, but Dana White would have fair few disgruntled fighters to deal with, were the Irishman to get a title shot in so undeservedly.

McGregor is a UFC PPV superstar, but is he still one of the finest fighters in the organisation? He’s lost three of his last four fights, leaving a question mark over his competency at 33-years-old.

Thankfully, his followers won’t have to worry any longer about the prospect of a rusty McGregor getting schooled by Oliveira, with the Brazilian instead defending his title against Justin Gaethje.

White giving the title shot to Gaethje proves to the rest of the UFC roster that the concept of meritocracy is still very much alive. That wouldn’t have been the case if McGregor were allowed to fight Oliveira.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Sweet Carolina! Panthers bring home former No. 1 overall pick
Dodgers signing catcher to 10-year extension
Insider shares major update on return of 76ers' Joel Embiid
Watch: Draymond Green’s ejection leaves Stephen Curry dejected
UConn HC Dan Hurley delivers hilarious transfer portal analogy
Did Jim Harbaugh tip his hand about what Chargers will do with No. 5 pick?
Eagles' Saquon Barkley opens up about unexpected feud with Giants legend
Lions re-sign career backup QB
Jets' Robert Saleh, Woody Johnson had 'heated conversation' at owners meetings?
Mets release power-hitting first baseman
USC HC Lincoln Riley makes revealing comments about NIL
Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell gets candid on impending free agency
Caitlin Clark receives $5 million offer from pro basketball league
Bengals share concerning update on Ja'Marr Chase contract negotiations
MLS referees will return this weekend following CBA agreement
NCAA working to make sensible change to betting rules
Buccaneers HC Todd Bowles: 'We're not trying to win the offseason'
Lakers trio achieves feat not seen in 53 years in win over Bucks
Dave Roberts offers interesting comments on Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter being fired
Watch: Austin Reaves hits incredible go-ahead three-pointer to seal Lakers' improbable 2OT win vs. Bucks