Justin Gaethje WILL have next lightweight title shot in blow for Conor McGregor, with American set to take on Charles Oliveira at UFC 274
- Conor McGregor had been pushing for his comeback to be a title opportunity
- But Justin Gaethje has been given the clash with Charles Oliveira next up
- Pair will lock horns in the main event of UFC 274 on May 7 later this year
- It will be co-main event behind Glover Teixeira facing Jiri Prochazka
Justin Gaethje will take on UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira on May 7 for the title.
In a blow to Conor McGregor, who had been pushing for a shot at the belt when he returns from his leg break, the 'Highlight' will have his second chance at UFC gold, according to multiple sources.
He came up short against Khabib Nurmagomedov in 2020 before emphatically beating Michael Chandler in an incredible fight to cement his No 1 contender status.
![Charles Oliveira will take on Justin Gaethje, having defeated Dustin Poirier (bottom) last year](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/01/07/12/52647859-10378121-The_Brazilian_defeated_Dustin_Poirier_last_month_to_retain_his_U-a-1_1641557253494.jpg)
Charles Oliveira will take on Justin Gaethje, having defeated Dustin Poirier (bottom) last year
![Gaethje (left) said he would riot if he was not given a title shot after beating Michael Chandler](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/01/13/09/51824487-10397895-Justin_Gaethje_left_defeated_Michael_Chandler_right_in_what_was_-a-4_1642066170826.jpg)
Gaethje (left) said he would riot if he was not given a title shot after beating Michael Chandler
Meanwhile, Oliveira had talked up a lucrative bout with McGregor but has accepted that the American is deserving of his chance.
Gaethje said he would 'riot' if McGregor jumped the queue for a title shot but Dana White admitted he would at least consider the Irishman.
McGregor is still recovering from a broken leg but has not won a fight at lightweight since 2016 and has slid down to No 9 in the rankings.
![McGregor is currently out of action after breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier last July](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/01/27/09/52259479-0-McGregor_is_currently_out_of_action_after_breaking_his_leg_again-a-2_1643275441389.jpg)
McGregor is currently out of action after breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier last July
He is expected to return in the summer and Michael Chandler seems to be the most likely opponent at this point.
Oliveira has looked sensational in recent years, winning 10 in succession, taking the vacant belt by finishing Chandler before submitting Dustin Poirier to retain it last year.
Other than his defeat by Khabib, Gaethje has looked sensational and is never in a boring fight.
The pair will compete for the title as the co-main event behind a light-heavyweight championship bout between Glover Teixeira and Jiri Prochazka.
![The 'Highlight' is the No 1 contender for a reason and will have his second shot at the belt](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/01/27/09/53432491-0-image-a-3_1643275467290.jpg)
The 'Highlight' is the No 1 contender for a reason and will have his second shot at the belt
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