Conor McGregor has a plan and date in mind to save the UFC -

How will the UFC survive the Corona virus crisis? With several sports leagues forced to shut down and postpone events while the pandemic is ongoing, many have wondered what the lasting consequences will be for the UFC financially. However, the promotions biggest star; Conor McGregor, has a plan and a return date in mind.

It’s no secret that McGregor is the UFC’s biggest cash cow, as he is responsible for most of the largest UFC pay-per-views in history. His return, at UFC 246 earlier this year, became one of the biggest combat sports events of 2020 so far, and he undoubtedly has transcended the sport in ways few other fighters have.

According to McGregor’s striking coach Owen Roddy, McGregor is planning on helping the company out by making yet another grand return. According to Roddy McGregor plans on returning on July 11th.

“Yeah, most definitely. That’s the plan hopefully. Bring the UFC back to life as well with all these shows being cancelled and stuff like that,” Roddy said to ESPN‘s Ariel Helwani of the return plan for Conor McGregor. “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 fingers are crossed for that fight.”

While not yet official, initial reports have named #4 ranked lightweight Justin Gaethje as a potential opponent. While McGregor vs Gaethje seems to be the fight that is in the works, Roddy claims that McGregor is ready for anyone.

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

Gaethje has taken aim at McGregor on multiple occasions. It’s clear that he’s interested in facing the Irishman, in a bout that would doubtlessly be Gaethje’s biggest pay day so far. Gaethje currently sits on a three fight winning streak, with all victories coming via T/KO.