Conor McGregor could come up against UFC rival Tony Ferguson if he chooses to accept an offer to coach on The Ultimate Fighter.
McGregor is expected to return to the UFC this year having not fought since breaking his leg in defeat by Dustin Poirier in July 2021. The Irishman has been linked with a whole host of potential opponents for his return outing including Michael Chandler, Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal.
A fight has yet to materialise but McGregor is currently in negotiations for his return according to his coach John Kavanagh. And in his biggest hint yet, the 34-year-old claimed he had been offered the opportunity to coach a team for the second time in the UFC's show The Ultimate Fighter.
And 'The Notorious' could find himself coming up against a familiar face, with Ferguson claiming he has been offered the chance to become a competitor. He wrote on Twitter: "I’ve been asked to coach on TUF against old fathead, or anyone of my choosing if that cake-eating son of a b**** wouldn’t show [McGregor]. What a vagina. Always ready any time, anywhere. I choose you Mcknacker. See you soon champ. CSO."
McGregor has appeared on the series prior to his maiden UFC title win when he took on Urijah Faber on opposite sides, and won their fight at the end of the series. It is accustomed for the coaching pair meet in the cage after the show, which could see Ferguson become his first opponent since injury.
The Irish star has gained significant weight since continuing his rehabilitation which would see the pair likely duel at 170lb, the weight at which Ferguson was choked out by Diaz last time out in September. McGregor posted on Instagram of his delight at receiving the offer and hinted that he could indeed accept.
Who wins if the pair fight - Conor McGregor or Tony Ferguson? Let us know in the comments section below
He wrote: “This is a snap from the original ultimate fighter house. Where I coached vs Urijah Faber. This photo was just before the show though. It was right before I won my first world title beating Urijah's teammate Chad Mendes around. I then went on to coach the famous fight show straight after the fight.
"With a big black eye and a gash, my tricolour, and my new and first ever UFC gold belt, I waltzed into the notorious fight gym in Las Vegas. The slickest suits and shouts the show had ever seen before. On top of the silverware. And I coached my team to victory. Crazy.
"Some journey. I have just been offered to coach this role again. I like it. It is full immersion which is needed. I see fighters lining up. I know what is ahead I been ready motherf******s. #StayReady."
