Conor McGregor vs. Anthony Pettis? 'Notorious' says he's 'definitely' moving up to challenge for lightweight gold

Try as it could, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) just couldn't get that Jose Aldo vs. Anthony Pettis fight to come to fruition.

How about "Showtime" vs. Conor McGregor, instead?

That's a lightweight "super fight" that can and will happen, according to the "Notorious" featherweight, assuming he's able to win (and retain) the 145-pound strap. But that would also require Pettis to defeat Strikeforce import Gilbert Melendez at UFC 181.

McGregor talks to Severe MMA:

"If you do what you say you're going to do, look what happens? I've skipped the queue and now I'm the world title contender, I'm number one contender. My next fight is most likely going to be for the title. After that there will be no catching me. I'll win the belt, maybe I'll defend it in the Aviva (stadium) and then I'll challenge for the lightweight belt, then who knows? That's definitely in my plans, you better believe that. If a 155 fight came up I will take it. I'm only gone 26, I'm not going to be making featherweight my whole career, it's a tough cut. I do it and I do it professionally, but it's tough."

Let's not put the cart before the horse.

While McGregor is still in line for a featherweight title shot, he has to first beat the winner of Aldo vs. Chad Mendes, who hook 'em up later this month in Brazil. Hopefully they won't fight to a draw, or whoever grabs gold doesn't end up getting injured and put on the shelf.

But if the stars align ... dare we even hope?