Conor McGregor Says He Will Make UFC Return in January

Conor McGregor has revealed when he will make his UFC return, but it’s not clear yet who he will go up against. At a news conference in Moscow, McGregor said his comeback fight will take place on Jan. 18 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The last time he fought in the Octagon was against Khabib Nurmagomedov in October 2018, and he has been on about a rematch ever since.

“I wish to compete here in Moscow, Russia. We know that, we know what belt I’m seeking in Mother Russia. The people of Russia deserve this inevitable rematch [against Nurmagomedov] to take place here in Moscow and it will happen,” McGregor said. “However, I’m not waiting around for that man. That man is a known pull-out, a known fearer of risk. He does not take risk so I’m not waiting around.”

McGregor said that he already knows who he’s fighting at the moment, but that could change if he reveals who it is too soon. “As far as the opponent, I have the opponent’s name, but from experience if I was to give you the name I know the UFC would flip it because they are a crafty company,” he added. “So ask the UFC who the opponent is, because I do not give a fuck who the opponent is.”

After his first match, McGregor hopes to take on whoever wins in the fight between Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal. “Obviously, I have history with Nate Diaz,” he said. “Then I will seek the Moscow bout against the winner of Tony Ferguson and Khabib Nurmagomedov. That is the bout we want. We want it in Moscow. … I am going to go through the entire roster like a chainsaw through butter.”

ESPN reports Donald Cerrone and Justin Gaethje are the most likely candidates for McGregor’s comeback fight.