Conor McGregor's coach John Kavanagh was concerned he would struggle to return from his brutal leg break earlier this year.
McGregor broke his tibia during his trilogy bout with Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July, and is currently recovering from the injury as he plots a return in 2022.
Kavanagh had initial doubts about the two-weight champion's desire for a comeback - but is now confident his return will be successful as his "drive and desire" have stayed the same throughout his tough recovery.
McGregor has been staying physically active in recent months, and has gained a considerable amount of weight as he bulks up ahead of his comeback.
But his head coach believes that the "long road to recovery" will end with another world title wrapped around his waist, his third in the promotion.
“I wondered what would happen after this injury,” Kavanagh said during an appearance on The MMA Hour. “It’s a long road back to recovery.
"The boy, it’s not a secret, he’s got a couple of quid in the bank, he could obviously go off and live on an island and play on his yacht for the rest of his life.
"But I have not seen one per cent drop in his incredible drive and desire and passion and interest in the sport.
"I’ve said it to everybody that if you can get rid of money problems, you really find out what it is you’re passionate about, because you’ll only do something you really enjoy.
"He’s still in the gym, all day, every day."
Kavanagh added that he and McGregor are in constant contact with one another as he gears up to return in the "second quarter" of next year.
The pair have shared a close relationship for years, and were locked in a tight-knit training camp for McGregor's last fight against Dustin Poirier in July.
And while they haven't seen much of one another since, it is expected that the former two-weight world champion will be raring to go when he is cleared to compete again following his injury.
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“We’re still chatting about fighting techniques, all day, every day," Kavanagh continued. "He’s still talking about getting that belt again, all day, every day.
"What can you conclude from this? He loves fighting, he loves mixed martial arts, he loves competition.
"So let’s get back healthy, let’s get back training, and let’s go on a run in 2022.
"And I’m sure there’s some people there with steam coming out of their ears that he’s coming back for that belt, but I’m sorry to upset you, he’s coming back there for that belt."
McGregor's return opponent has yet to be named, but a number of possible contenders have been shortlisted including Nate Diaz, Tony Ferguson, Islam Makhachev and Dan Hooker.
