Conor McGregor Targets 2018 For Khabib Nurmagedov Fight; Congratulates Jose Aldo In New Interview

Conor Mcgregor

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.”

Ross launched MMA Insight (previously FightOfTheNight.com) in 2009 as a way to channel his passion for the sport of mixed martial arts. He's since penned countless news stories and live fight reports along with dozens of feature articles as the lead writer for the site, reaching millions of fans in the process.