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Conor McGregor stuns UFC world with massive announcement

australian associated press

Conor McGregor will return to mixed martial arts in January with a UFC fight in Las Vegas.

The Irish fighter said Thursday he will return "fully focused" on January 18 at the T-Mobile Arena.

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"That is my comeback fight. It is 12 weeks this Saturday. I am in prime physical condition. I have agreed the date with the company," McGregor said, adding that he knows his opponent's name but won't reveal it.

"If I was to give you people the name, which I would love to do, I know the UFC would flip it because they are a crafty company.”

Conor McGregor, pictured here announcing his comeback in Russia.
Conor McGregor announces his comeback. (Photo by Stanislav Krasilnikov\TASS via Getty Images)

The 31-year-old hasn't fought since losing by submission to Khabib Nurmagomedov in October 2018.

He was banned for six months and fined $US50,000 ($A73,000) for his part in a post-fight brawl.

McGregor said he is targeting two more fights, including a rematch with Nurmagomedov in Moscow.

He also aimed a string of insults at the Russian fighter.

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Conor McGregor, pictured here at a press conference in Russia where he announced his comeback.
Conor McGregor at a press conference in Russia. (Photo by Stanislav Krasilnikov\TASS via Getty Images)

‘Going through the entire roster’

After his comeback, McGregor said he would then like to fight the winner of the November 3 bout between Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal, followed by either Nurmagomedov or Tony Ferguson.

"I'm going to go through the entire roster like a chain saw through butter," he said.

McGregor's return comes as he faces more legal issues. He is facing an assault charge in Ireland over an incident in which he appeared to punch a man in a bar.

He said he is planning to abstain from alcohol and late nights in the run-up to his next fight.

"I am focused here, I am structured now."