Gunnar Nelson eyes UFC 189 spot alongside teammate Conor McGregor

Gunnar Nelson

Gunnar Nelson hopes he can add some Icelandic flare to the UFC’s “International Fight Week” in Las Vegas this July.

Nelson (13-1-1 MMA, 4-1 UFC) hasn’t stepped in the octagon since he suffered the first loss of his career against Rick Story at UFC Fight Night 53 in October 2014. The 26-year-old had his 14-fight undefeated streak snapped in a five-round decision.

“Gunni” has remained quite since the defeat, but today he broke his silence when he said on his official Twitter account that he’d like his next fight to take place at UFC 189 on July 11, a fight card on which SBG Ireland teammate Conor McGregor will challenge UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo for the title in the main event.

“Hoping for a place on the @UFC card in Vegas with my teammate @TheNotoriousMMA,” Nelson wrote on Twitter.

All 15 of Nelson’s pro contests so far have taken place in Europe. He’s only traveled Stateside to train in the past, so now he hopes to make his U.S. debut in “Sin City.”

Should he return in July, it would mark a 10-month break between fights. He did not request a specific opponent, but considering his No. 15 spot in the latest official UFC welterweight rankings, it’s likely he’ll face a familiar name at 170 pounds.

The 26-year-old has shared a UFC card with McGregor once before. Both had successful performances when the organization traveled to Ireland in July 2014. UFC 189 marks the most significant contest of McGregor’s career, because he will look to end Aldo’s lengthy title reign.

Nelson hopes he can be there to support “The Notorious” not only as a teammate, but a fellow member of the card, as well.

For more on UFC 189, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.