John Kavanagh Likes Frankie Edgar as a Return Opponent For Conor McGregor

The talk of Conor McGregor’s return to the Octagon continues to make the rounds, with a wide range of names popping up in response to who would be a suitable opponent, but if McGregor’s coach has anything to say about it, one “answer” stands above the rest.

McGregor has linked to a host of names on the UFC roster for his return including Justin Gaethje, with whom the UFC was attempting to match him over the summer, as well as rematches against the champion Khabib Nurmagomedov and former title challenger Dustin Poirier, although nothing has been made official yet.

McGregor’s head coach, John Kavanagh of SBG Ireland, was asked recently who he’d like the Irishman to fight in his return to the Octagon and said that former lightweight champ Frankie Edgar would be his pick (via MMAMania.com):

“I think him and Frankie Edgar would be a great fight,” Kavanagh told The Mac Life. “I think it was in the works when Conor was kind of going on that featherweight tear. He’s an ex-champion, great fighter. Yeah, if it was me, I would love to see the Frankie Edgar fight this year if possible. And then go on another run in 2020.”

Edgar, who is considered a small featherweight, was contemplating a move down to bantamweight after losing a one-sided title fight against 145-pound kingpin Max Holloway back in July but has said recently he would happily put those plans on hold to fight McGregor.

Despite Edgar now being in the twilight of his career at 38, Kavanagh said it would still be an exciting fight to watch given his skillset and style.

“Frankie has a style that’s very difficult to deal with,” Kavanagh said. “But it’s also one we’re somewhat familiar with. Even from his first fight with [Marcus] Brimage. This small, fast guy, quick hands, wrestling. But Frankie’s just been in there with everybody. World champion, beaten legends like B.J. Penn and so on. I just think that’s a great match for the fans and for me. I’d love to see it.”