Conor McGregor insists he is on track to make his return to the UFC after breaking his leg.
The two-time champion has not fought since he was beaten for a second time by Dustin Poirier last summer. McGregor broke his leg at the end of the first round and the fight was waved off.
He has since undergone surgery but has not returned to training as quickly as planned. The Irishman had intended to resume full mixed martial arts sparring by last month but has so far been limited to boxing training.
But he insists he will soon be given the all-clear ahead of his return to the cage later this year. "The body's doing good, I'm out here with my full team," he told Sky Sports. "I'm enjoying the Monaco Grand Prix and then after that we're going to up the training bit by bit.
"I should be able to kick now; I have another CT scan in the coming days and then I'll be clear to kick; once I can kick and grapple I'll be back in no time. Boxing training is going well - and strength training - I'm excited to be back."
McGregor has lost three of his last four fights in the UFC with his only win coming inside 40 seconds against Donald Cerrone in 2020. He then lost twice against Poirier to leave his career hanging in the balance.
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The Dubliner has since insisted he will return at welterweight and has demanded a title shot against Kamaru Usman. He also claims he will return to the boxing ring having made an unsuccessful professional debut against Floyd Mayweather in 2017.
"Boxing is my first love in combat sports," he added. "I had a great time the last time I was out there. Obviously my return will be in the octagon for the UFC in mixed martial arts; that story is far from over, in fact that story has just being written, is just beginning. That's where I will make my return but for sure I will grace the squared circle again."
