Conor McGregor appears to be heading back to the top in UFC after his sensational win over Donald Cerrone in Las Vegas saw him climb the official lightweight rankings.
McGregor had not fought since his loss to Khabib Nurmagomedov in 2018, but he was back in form on Saturday night at UFC 246 and wasted no time in seeing off Cerrone, needing just 40 seconds before the referee waved the contest off after a series of vicious blows from the Irishman.
He is now being lined up to face a number of big names, including a potential rematch with the lightweight champion Khabib, while boxing legends Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao are also said to be interested in a bout.
McGregor's win has seen him move one place up the lightweight rankings, via UFC reporter Aaron Bronsteter, with the 31-year-old replacing Justin Gaethje in third place and Gaethje moving down to fourth.
Still above McGregor are the champion Khabib, Tony Ferguson and Dustin Poirier, while Cerrone remains fifth following his humiliating defeat.
Cerrone will also face a 180-day suspension after the loss as a result of the injuries he sustained from it, with a nasal fracture and possible mild orbital fracture needing to be cleared by a maxillofacial physician before he can enter the octagon again.
McGregor, meanwhile, was involved in an unlikely exchange with Donald Trump on Twitter after the two praised each other for their achievements.
McGregor branded Trump a "phenomenal president" before suggesting he was one of the greatest of all time.
"He sits atop the shoulders of many amazing giants that came before him. No easy feet. Early stages of term also. Incredible," the Irishman wrote on social media.
And Trump sent a response to McGregor, posting: "Congratulations on your big UFC win."
