Los Angeles: Donald Cerrone wasn't chosen to face Conor McGregor when a short-notice chance came up earlier this month at UFC 196. Now "Cowboy" isn't certain if the fight will ever happen.

Cerrone (29-7 MMA, 16-4 UFC) and McGregor (19-3 MMA, 7-1 UFC) have developed a feud in recent months. It all began with social media teasing and changed into heated exchanges at a UFC press conference in September. Tension increased when McGregor called Cerrone a "quitter" after his unsuccessful lightweight title bid against Rafael dos Anjos in December.

Dos Anjos was supposed to defend his 155-pound belt against McGregor at UFC 196. However, less than two weeks before the event, he withdrew because of a broken foot. That made way for a replacement, and the bout ultimately went to Nate Diaz.

Cerrone's lack of hope in getting a fight with McGregor going forward is rooted in reason, he said. Cerrone passed up for the opportunity once already and with McGregor reportedly set to rematch Diaz next at UFC 200 in July, plus the reality that he'll eventually be compelled to defend his featherweight title, it seems "The Notorious" has his schedule packed for the near future.

Cerrone said, "He's got a long list of people wanting to whip his ass now. I'm sure old 'Cowboy' don't hold up much on the list. Who knows? We'll see what happens. Him going back up to 170 to fight Diaz again, he's going to put on a lot of weight and it's going to be a lot harder to go back to 145 and fight Frankie (Edgar) and get his ass whipped by him."