Conor McGregor Announces Jan. 18 Return in Las Vegas

Conor McGregor's much-anticipated return to the Octagon is set for Jan. 18 in Las Vegas, according to the Irishman.

Speaking at a press conference in Moscow, McGregor said he wanted to return in Moscow against Khabib Nurmagomedov. As that will not happen, he will come back in Las Vegas instead.

"I would like to announce the return of 'The Notorious' Conor McGregor will take place on January 18th in the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada," McGregor said (via MMA Fighting).

"So, that is my comeback fight, it's 12 weeks this Saturday. I'm in prime physical condition, I've agreed [to] the date with the company. As far as the opponent, I have the opponent’s name, but for me and the game that I'm in, and from experience, if I was to give you people the name - which I would love to do - I know the UFC would flip it because they are a crafty company. For me, here's this one, ask the UFC who the opponent is because I do not give a f*ck who the opponent is. January 18th...the return of 'The Notorious' Conor McGregor...twelve weeks this Saturday at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada."

According to various reports, the expectation is he will fight either Donald Cerrone or Justin Gaethje on that date. If he wins, McGregor's plan is to fight the winner of Jorge Masvidal vs. Nate Diaz at UFC 244. Should he come out victorious, he has his sights set on the victor of the prospective matchup between Tony Ferguson vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov. Hungry and motivated again, he claims he will showcase that all in 2020, fully intending to take three bouts throughout the year.

McGregor is currently involved in multiple legal problems outside of the sport. On Sunday, it was reported in the New York Times that McGregor was under investigation for an alleged sexual assault in Ireland. This allegation is the second of its kind levied on the Irishman, as he was arrested and questioned for an alleged rape in December 2018. McGregor is also currently charged with assault after punching a man in a Dublin bar in April, and his upcoming hearing for this case should take place in November.

"The Notorious" last competed for the Las Vegas-based promotion at UFC 229, losing by submission against Khabib Nurmagomedov for the light heavyweight throne in October 2018.