In the midst of UFC lightweight contender Khabib “The Eagle” Nurmagomedov’s recent shortfall at UFC 209, extinguishing a potentially epic bout before it could flourish, it would appear that another epic bout may be forming in its place. Chael Sonnen thinks it may be time for Conor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz round three.

“The Eagle” was rushed to the hospital, following weight management issues last week. The fighter was forced to miss UFC 209 weigh-ins, thereby cancelling the promotion’s interim lightweight title co-main event. “The Eagle” was initially set to face Tony Ferguson for the title.

Former UFC fighter, now analyst and Bellator competitor, Chael Sonnen recently spoke of an interesting theory on ESPN.

In the ESPN segment, Sonnen explained how Nurmagomedov’s missed bout may have affected his career, as well as that of Nate Diaz.

“This caused Khabib Nurmagomedov long term effects. Don’t forget. I’ll tell you the politics here. Dana White comes back from Russia, announces that he has a new TV deal. Forty-eight hours later, he announces that the winner of Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Tony Ferguson will be taking on Conor McGregor. You do not need to put on your Colombo rain jacket to realize, Conor McGregor vs. the favorite Khabib Nurmagomedov was going to happen on the debut of the Russian TV deal. It is likely gone. And I believe it goes to Nate Diaz.”

UFC lightweight Nate Diaz’s two most recent bouts have been against “Notorious.” In March of last year, Diaz faced McGregor at UFC 196. Diaz won via rear-naked choke in the second round.

Most recently, Diaz faced McGregor at UFC 202 in August. Diaz lost via majority decision.

The two fighters have a history, one many fans would love to see continue inside the octagon. McGregor is currently more interested in fighting outside of the UFC, as he is currently attempting to schedule a cross-promotional bout with boxing legend Floyd Mayweather. That being said, UFC President Dana White does not seem to be having it.