Conor McGregor has not competed in the UFC since Nov. 2016, when he defeated Eddie Alvarez by second-round technical knockout to claim the UFC lightweight belt. But it seems his next bout in the Octagon is coming soon.
His all-but-certain opponent? Khabib Nurmagomedov, the 29-year-old Russian superstar who has a 26-0 mixed martial arts record.
Fans have long asked for this showdown (as well as a third go-round between McGregor and Nate Diaz), and it appears to be on the horizon. In an interview with TMZ, Conor said the two sides are just ironing out the details.
"Yes, very close," Conor said. "It's not official, but very close."
The TMZ paparazzi asked whether the fight will happen in 2018.
"I believe so, I hope so," McGregor said.
Some have speculated the fight could happen in October. McGregor added that he would "love to fight in (Madison Square Garden) again, but I believe this one will be in Las Vegas."
Conor has recently implied he's training for a fight with social media posts.
McGregor, who recently turned 30, last fought in the boxing ring. He faced off with Floyd Mayweather Jr. for the WBC Money Belt. McGregor surprised his critics, but Mayweather methodically wore him down, winning via TKO in the 10th round.
