Conor McGregor is currently still in New York City and so TMZ Sports caught up with him while he was out jogging in the city and managed to get him talking about his chances of returning to the Octagon later this year.
“Yeah, it’s very close,” McGregor said of his next fight, which is expected to be against current lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. “It’s not official, but it’s very close.”
Asked to elaborate on whether that meant 2018 or not, McGregor confirmed that is the case.
“I believe so, I hope so,” McGregor said, while also confirming that as much as he loves NYC, Las Vegas is the likely destination for the showedown.
McGregor also had some kind words for one of his old rivals, former featherweight champion Jose Aldo, who claimed a victory over Jeremy Stephens at UFC On FOX 30 this past weekend.
“I was so happy for him,” McGregor said. “Honestly, truly happy to see the joy he had after it. It’s a crazy business, and I know he’s gone through a lot of stuff. So to see him come back with that great finish, I was very happy for him and his coach, Andre Pederneiras. The whole of Ireland was happy for Jose Aldo that night.”