Source: Norman Parke Out, Diego Sanchez Awaiting New Opponent at UFC 180

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Diego Sanchez is waiting for a new opponent at UFC 180, but whether that foe is Conor McGregor -- or someone else -- remains to be seen.

A source close to the bout informed Sherdog.com on Thursday that Norman Parke has withdrawn from his matchup with Sanchez due to injury. Parke later revealed his injury via Twitter.

"Yes folks I am out of my contest with Diego," he wrote. "I have [an] MCL injury, but I wish to be back competing [in] January. UFC 182 would be great."

The two lightweights were scheduled to square off at the UFC’s inaugural card in Mexico City on Nov. 15. As of this writing, Sanchez has yet to be offered a new opponent by the UFC. The Las Vegas-based promotion has not made a formal announcement regarding the bout.

Breakout featherweight star Conor McGregor made waves late Wednesday night when he claimed that he was going to face Sanchez in Mexico City.

I am fighting @DiegoSanchezUFC in Mexico, November 15th. He spoke a big game. Now he will pay with his career. VIVA LA EIRE!!!

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) October 2, 2014

That statement was later refuted by UFC President Dana White.

“That kid is nuts,” White told ESPN.com via text message. “No, he’s not [fighting Sanchez in Mexico]. He wants to, but he’s not.”

McGregor is expected to attend UFC 179 in Rio de Janeiro to attend the featherweight title clash between Jose Aldo and Chad Mendes. However, the Irishman has expressed a desire to eventually move up to 155 pounds.

Sanchez, meanwhile, is coming off a controversial split-decision triumph over Ross Pearson at UFC Fight Night “Henderson vs. Khabilov” on June 7. While “The Dream” appears to be a willing dance partner for McGregor, it is currently unclear who he will face on Nov. 15.

@TheNotoriousMMA to all the Irish your conor is fake! he's all talk! I comfortably oblige... put your money where your big mouth is #UFC180

— Diego Sanchez UFC (@DiegoSanchezUFC) October 2, 2014

UFC 180 takes place at the Mexico City Arena and is headlined by a heavyweight title clash between Cain Velasquez and Fabricio Werdum.