Conor McGregor UFC Rumors: 'The Notorious' Vows To Return In 2019

Conor McGregor continues to wait on the sanctions that may be handed down following the celebrated post-fight UFC 229 melee opposite Khabib Nurmagomedov. And while he could end up getting heavy sanctions, the Irishman made it clear that he will be returning to action inside the octagon in 2019.

McGregor teased his return on Instagram. On his official account, "The Notorious" recalled the celebrated 13-second win over Jose Aldo which is now on its third year anniversary. "3 years ago today I unified the 145lb titles. I named these final blows 'coffin nails.' See you in 2019," he said in the post.

That should be good news to all Conor McGregor fans, but his return still depends on how the Nevada State Athletic Commission investigation turns out. With regards to his possible opponent, there are big names being suggested.

Among those mentioned are Dustin Poirier, Tony Fergusson, Nate Diaz and, of course, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Irish Mirror suggested. However, since the Russian mixed martial artist could find himself getting a lengthy suspension, that rematch (if it is on the table) will have to wait.

Nurmagomedov's father, Abdulmanap, suggested that he is already aware of the punishment headed his son's way. According to BJ Penn, the 30-year-old will be fined a hefty $500,000 and will not be able to fight for the next nine months. It would be good to note that a ban would be backdated. This means that Nurmagomedov has already served three months of that suspension, hinting that he could probably be back by June 2019.

“Of course, it should have never happened. Now we are just looking forward to a bright future and other lucrative fights,” he said.

McGregor, who is likely to get a lighter punishment, may fight as early as the summer. And with that in mind, the next question is: who does he fight?

A trilogy with Diaz would make sense since, as McGregor said, it was something he had promised. However, he would need to convince his coach, John Kavanagh, according to the Irish Independent.

One name that was not mentioned among the list of potential opponents is Frankie Edgar. The 37-year-old last fought Cub Swanson at UFC Fight Night: Barboza vs. Lee, winning via unanimous decision. He does have his sights set on Max Holloway and his title. If not, McGregor is someone he would consider fighting, a clash he says would be the next best thing.