Conor McGregor ‘in negotiations’ for blockbuster UFC return nearly two years after broken leg and body transformation

CONOR MCGREGOR is in “negotiations” for a blockbuster return to the Octagon – with a summer showdown ahead.

The UFC figurehead has not been in the cage since breaking his leg in his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier 18 months ago.

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McGregor, 34, has undergone meticulous rehab to return to fitness and is now in talks with UFC executives over a return to big bucks.

When asked if the Irishman will fight again this year, head trainer John Kavanagh told MMA Fighting: “I’d be willing to put my house on it.

“Actually, I just talked to him yesterday or the day before [his manager] audience [Attar] was in town.

“Yes, I think there are some interesting negotiations going on right now.

“Beyond that, I can’t say anything at all, but I’m very, very confident that we’ll see Conor back in the Octagon this year.”

Former two-division champion McGregor has a variety of big-buck duels at his disposal for his much-anticipated comeback fight.

But Kavanagh doesn’t want his compatriot – who has undergone a huge physical transformation during his break – to put up a fight that doesn’t get his competitive juices flowing.

The SBG Ireland head coach said: “You have the amazing Nate Diaz who’s obviously in there.

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“Justin Gaethje would be a very interesting matchup, someone he has never fought.

“The [Dustin] Poirier fight, we’ve done this so many times at this stage and it’s just weird.

“Michael Chandler, a great fighter, a great athlete.

“You are all brilliant. They will all bring something different to the competition.

“What I would be looking for would be the one name that gets Conor moving.

“Lift him off his stool, get him moving and excite him.

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“Some of the names I’ve heard him say are like, ‘Oh yeah, I’d fight him.’

“But seeing that level of disinterest I’d be nervous that it won’t get him through 12 weeks in a very tough environment where if it’s an exciting name then training is fun and training is easy. ”

McGregor must first re-enroll in the US Anti-Doping Agency’s testing pool for at least six months before he can compete.

But the Dubliner is apparently seeking an exception to the requirement to quickly return to the octagon.

Last November he said: “I’m ready for tests in February.

“I’m going to do my two USADA tests and we’re booking a fight.”