Coach bets on Conor McGregor returning to the octagon in 2023 and points out possible opponents

C. McGregor (photo) weighing in UFC 264. (Photo: Reproduction/Instagram)

Away from competition for over a year and a half due to a serious leg injury, Conor McGregor should return to the Octagon in 2023. At least that's what John Kavanagh, leader of SBG Ireland and main trainer of the former UFC featherweight (up to 65,7kg) and lightweight (up to 70,3kg) champion, says.

During his appearance on the podcast “MMA Hour”, on the North American website “MMA Fighting”, John Kavanagh revealed to Canadian journalist Ariel Helwani that there are ongoing negotiations aimed at the return of Conor McGregor to Ultimate this year.

See too

#STORIES – UFC 283 results move the light heavyweight rankings; see the new top 15

Brandon Moreno's coach reveals complications in training for quadrilogy with Deiveson Figueiredo

“Yes, I think there are some interesting negotiations going on right now. I can't say anything beyond that, but I'm very, very confident that we'll see Conor back in the Octagon this year.”

Even in bad times, Conor McGregor remains the most popular name in world MMA and, consequently, generating a line of potential opponents interested in welcoming him back to the Octagon. John Kavanagh named three names as the main candidates.

“We obviously have the great Nate diaz between them. Justin gaethje it would be a very interesting marriage, one he hasn't faced yet. The fight against Dustin poirier, we've done it so many times at this point and it seems like a weird option. Michael chandler, a great fighter, a great athlete. They're all brilliant. Everyone presents different things in the dispute. What I would look at right now is the name that would make Conor move, get him off the bench, get him excited,” he concluded.