The McGregor Sweepstakes: Aldo, Edgar, Nurmagomedov Ruled Out for UFC 196

As soon as news broke on Tuesday that UFC lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos had withdrawn from UFC 196, people began to speculate on potential replacement opponents for Conor McGregor.

After all, given the attention that McGregor now attracts for his bouts, which fighter on the roster wouldn’t want to stand across the cage from the Irishman on March 5?

However, only hours after the news, it seems that several high-profile opponents have been scratched off the list.

A logical move would be to have McGregor rematch Jose Aldo, the longtime featherweight king whom “The Notorious” dethroned in 13 seconds last year. However, Aldo’s trainer, Andre Pederneiras, today informed Combate that 10 days would not be enough time to prepare for the bout.

“Dana White called me in the middle of the night telling me what had happened and asking me if Aldo was in shape to fight,” explained Pederneiras. “I said he wasn't and that there was no time. Unfortunately, he would not be ready to fight the next week.”

Another sensible move would be for McGregor to square off against top featherweight contender and former lightweight champion Frankie Edgar. However, according to ESPN.com’s Brett Okamoto, Edgar is currently on the mend from an unspecified injury.

If there's one thing we've learned today, it's that Frankie Edgar is truly cursed. He was on short list to replace, but dealing with injury.

— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) February 23, 2016

Kevin Iole reported that long-sidelined lightweight contender Khabib Nurmagomedov offered to step into the main event, but the UFC nixed that notion.

Told that @TeamKhabib offered to replace @RdosAnjosMMA and @UFC said no. Going to update my post.

— Kevin Iole (@KevinI) February 23, 2016

So, which options remain? Trainer Duke Roufus says that Anthony Pettis is ready to fight, and of course there’s short-notice kingpin Donald Cerrone, who is only days removed from his last bout. But the most entertaining offer of the day has come from Nate Diaz, who wants McGregor to “get on his knees and beg” for the Californian to sign on the dotted line.

He's going to have to get on his knees and beg...

— Nathan Diaz (@NateDiaz209) February 23, 2016