Conor McGregor "knows the name" of his opponent for UFC return

Conor McGregor has announced he will make his UFC return against an unconfirmed opponent on January 18.

Former two-weight world champion McGregor told a news conference in Moscow his comeback will take place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas next year.

The 31-year-old has not appeared in the octagon since he was submitted in the fourth round of a lightweight title fight against Khabib Nurmagomedov in October 2018.

The bout was overshadowed by a brawl in the aftermath and both fighters were handed suspensions, with McGregor subsequently claiming he had retired from mixed martial arts.

However, the Irishman will be back in action in three months and has his sights set on a rematch with Nurmagomedov and a trilogy fight with Nate Diaz, against whom he suffered his first UFC defeat in March 2016.

"I wish to compete here in Moscow, Russia. We know that, we know what belt I'm seeking in Mother Russia. The people of Russia deserve this inevitable rematch [against Nurmagomedov] to take place here in Moscow and it will happen," said McGregor.

"However, I'm not waiting around for that man. That man is a known pull-out, a known fearer of risk. He does not take risk so I'm not waiting around. I'd like to announce to the public the return of 'The Notorious' Conor McGregor will take place on January 18 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

"That is my comeback fight. It is 12 weeks this Saturday. I am in prime physical condition. I have agreed the date with the company. As far as the opponent, I have the opponent's name, but from experience if I was to give you the name I know the UFC would flip it because they are a crafty company. So ask the UFC who the opponent is, because I do not give a f*** who the opponent is.

"That will be the beginning of my season. I will then look to compete against the winner of Nate Diaz-Jorge Masvidal. Obviously, I have history with Nate Diaz.

"Then I will seek the Moscow bout against the winner of Tony Ferguson and Khabib Nurmagomedov. That is the bout we want. We want it in Moscow.

"It is a rematch I will come in sharp, fresh. I will have no injuries, I will have no alcohol, I will have no outside influences. I will be fully focused ... and we will settle it once and for all."

McGregor added: "I am going to go through the entire roster like a chainsaw through butter. Make no mistake about that."

ESPN reported Donald Cerrone and Justin Gaethje are leading candidates for the January bout.