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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Martin Domin

Conor McGregor names shortlist of potential opponents for return to UFC

Conor McGregor wants a rematch with Khabib Nurmagomedov - but insists he will fight anyone on his return to the UFC.

The Irishman has not fought since his defeat by the lightweight champion last October.

His return has been delayed by a broken hand but the former two-division ruler wants to make his comeback this year.

And he listed a number of fighters he is willing to take on in the octagon, including the winner of Nurmagomedov's defence against Dustin Poirier next month.

"I want my world title back, I want that redemption... the camp was incorrect," he told ESPN.

"Knowing the commitment I had in that camp and the performance I put in... he ran away in that first round, he [Nurmagomedov] didn't throw a punch, he shot for the legs before he threw a punch.

Conor McGregor lost to Khabib Nurmagomedov (Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

"I should have been talking to Herb [Dean, referee]; he said he was taking to me, but there wasn't a whisper out of him until he had me in that dominant position.

"We only ended up in that dominant position because I was walking around being disrespectful because he was running around the cage.

"I switched off in the middle section and he go that lucky shot. Even after he got that lucky shot - although it was a good shot - I bounced back up and engaged and what did he do, he shot again.

"I'm not going to wait around, if Dustin does it, it's dustin, if it's Nate [Diaz], Nate, if it's Jorge [Masvidal], Jorge... Tony Ferguson, Justin [Gaethje], [Max] Holloway, the [Jose] Aldo rematch.

McGregor wants a rematch with the champion (USA TODAY Sports)

"Frankie Edgar is also up there because he has similarities to Khabib, he runs on the back foot and shoots on the single leg.

"Frankie has been very respectful, he said he wanted to tell his grandkids he fought Conor McGregor one day.

"There are so many bouts for me but it doesn't matter, it's about getting back in and being who I am, not a shell of myself, not half-committed."

When asked if he planned to fight this year, McGregor paused before confirming he could.

"It's hard... I'd say we can get it done," he added.

"I'm already in shape, I haven't lost my condition, I just need to sharpen up the grappling. I would look for that, for the end of the year."

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