The Standard – Kenya: Conor McGregor drops major hint about his next UFC opponent | The Standard

Conor McGregor has hinted he will complete his trilogy with Nate Diaz when he returns to the UFC.

The Irishman is expected to fight at UFC 239 on July 6 in Las Vegas in what would be his first bout since he lost to Khabib Nurmagomedov last October.

McGregor had initially been expected to face Donald Cerrone but ‘Cowboy’ is now slated to take on Al Iaquinta in his next outing.

And former bantamweight and lightweight champion McGregor said: “[Diaz] fought me, he beat me. He gave me a rematch at the exact same weight, there was no hesitation, that’s a true fighter right there.

“I have nothing but respect – I owe him the trilogy now and the trilogy will happen.”

McGregor lost to Diaz in an upset defeat in March 2016 but avenged the loss five months later.

Get the latest sports news updates. Subscribe to our SMS sports service by texting ‘SPORTS’ to 22840.

He went on to beat Eddie Alvarez to win the 155lb belt while Diaz has not stepped in the Octagon since.

McGregor failed to win back the lightweight belt when he was submitted by Nurmagomedov last year.

Both men were banned by the Nevada State Athletic Commission but McGregor will be eligible to return next month.

The Dubliner was in trouble last week when he was arrested after allegedly smashing a fan’s phone in Miami.