Conor McGregor targets rematch with bitter rival before calling it quits... as UFC star claims his former opponent is 'fighting's biggest chicken'

UFC star Conor McGregor is targeting a rematch with a bitter rival before calling it a career. 

The 35-year-old took to social media to brand his former opponent as 'fighting's biggest chicken.' 

McGregor has not fought since his first-round defeat to Dustin Poirier back in 2021 - where he suffered a brutal leg injury.

The former two division champion claims he will make a return to the cage in April following a three-year hiatus as he insists he is in for UFC 300.

It looks likely that the Irishman will go head-to-head with top lightweight contender Michael Chandler, yet nothing has been confirmed by Dana White and the UFC. Despite having one eye on 'Iron' Mike,' McGregor is targeting a rematch with a major rival.

The Irishman is vying for a rematch with none other than former lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Nurmagomedov retired in 2020 after defeating Justin Gaethje at UFC 254. The 35-year-old retired with a professional record of 29-0 and was arguably one of the most dominant fighters of his generation.

Both McGregor and Nurmgamedov went head-to-head at UFC 229 back in 2019 in what was billed as the biggest fight in the history of Mixed Martial Arts - with the Russian going on to win via fourth-round submission.

The bad blood between the pair spilled over after the bout - with McGregor being at the heart of a post-fight brawl with 'Team Nurmagomedov.'

Since the encounter, the Irishman has called for a rematch with the Russian on several occasions - yet nothing has ever materialised.

As alluded to, McGregor took to social media to confirm his interest in fighting at UFC 300. However, his coach believes his star fighter will make a sensational return to the Octagon in the summer - maybe in time for International Fight Week.

Speaking on The MMA Hour, Kavanagh said: 'We were hoping for April. That was the hope. That was what we were told. And now it seems to be the summertime.

'I don't know [why]. That's literally what we were having a bit of a back and forward [about] today.'

Prior to the thrilling UFC 295 event on the weekend - where Tom Aspinall became the third British UFC champion in history - White confirmed that the UFC were targeting a summer date for McGregor's return.

Speaking to Mail Sport, White said: 'He's good, he's ready.

'He wants to [fight]. He's got to sit out for the six months to get back into the drug-testing pool. So realistically... could be looking at him next summer.'

White's and Kavanagh's comments are in stark contrast to what the 'Notorious' claimed just one month ago, when asked about his UFC return while in Saudi.

'I'm in a great place, my body is fully healed and hopefully [I’ll be back in] April,' McGregor told TNT Sports.