Conor McGregor

As this is being written, Conor McGregor’s Octagon return hasn’t been finalized and or announced. But, recently the former UFC champ’s coach reported the controversial star’s working hard to prepare for his return.

McGregor’s much discussed return

Since McGregor was submitted by lightweight champ Khabib Nurmagomedov last October at UFC 229, there’s been no shortage of talk about when and who he’ll fight next. McGregor has repeatedly called for a rematch with Khabib, but, former interim champ Tony Ferguson – armed with a 12 fight winning streak – is expected to challenge for the belt next.

More recently it’s been reported that the UFC is hoping to book a bout between McGregor and Donald Cerrone for UFC 246, January 18th.

McGregor’s striking coach weighs-in on a fight with “Cowboy”

Recently McGregor’s longtime striking coach, Owen Roddy, spoke with MMA Junkie. While talking about McGregor, and his much discussed return, Roddy reported this:

“I know he’s working very hard,” Roddy said. “There’s no official date set yet, but Conor’s been training very hard, as you can see. He’s in good nick. If you’re looking at any of the pictures, he’s in phenomenal shape, he’s ready to go. I’m sure everybody’s excited to see him back.”

This does seem to be in keeping with McGregor’s recent comments about his desire to fight again and make another title run. Roddy was also asked about the possibility of McGregor fighting Cerrone, and he had this to say:

“If it is ‘Cowboy,’ it would be an exciting fight, yeah,” Roddy said. “I said this a couple of months ago: ‘Cowboy’ and Conor is a great fight for the fans. Two guys that are exciting strikers – although ‘Cowboy’ is phenomenal on the ground, as well, but I think if it was a fight between them, it would be a striking battle, and I think it would be one for the fans, so if it is that, it’ll be an exciting one.”

“I just want to see Conor back in,” Roddy also said in the interview. “I think everybody just wants to see Conor back in the UFC, bring back that spectacle that is his fights. Nobody does it like Conor, and for me, I just want to see him back in there. Whatever happens after that, who knows?”

There’s no question that on paper, Cerrone vs. McGregor has the potential to be an amazing fight. Some folks, however, including the likes of Kevin Lee, have argued McGregor would essentially be taking a warm-up fight in facing Cerrone.

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