Conor McGregor’s latest comeback is edging closer.

‘Notorious’ hasn’t fought since fracturing his tibia and fibula against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in 2021, while he hasn't won since 2020.

But that last victory in the octagon was a memorable one, as he took apart Donald Cerrone in 40 seconds in what was his first UFC fight in two years.

McGregor hadn't been in the cage since his loss to rival Khabib Nurmagomedov at lightweight, but his appearance at UFC 246 at welterweight was one of his standout victories.

The former dual-weight champion quickly found himself in a clinch position and proceeded to hit 'Cowboy' with a flurry of unorthodox shoulder strikes.

When he let go of McGregor it became clear that his eye was almost swollen shut from the close-range shots he took.

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‘Mystic Mac’ smelt blood and went hunting for the finish soon after when he landed a head kick that dropped Cerrone and left him curled up in a ball against the fence.

It wasn't long before veteran referee Herb Dean waved things off.

Post-fight, the Irishman claimed this is not the first time he’s seriously damaged an opponent by striking them with his shoulder.

“I’ve been banging people with the shoulder for a while now,” he said.

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“I caught him off guard. I knew because he kind of froze. When I hit the first one I kind of felt like it was a good connection. Yeah, it’s a good shot of mine.”

While McGregor was delighted with his handy work, so was White as he awarded his biggest star a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus.

Three years on and the 35-year-old is now booked to fight Michael Chandler and told talkSPORT he will end his lengthy hiatus from MMA at UFC 296 on December 16.

However, the promotion is yet to confirm McGregor’s return amid speculation that a dispute with the UFC’s drug testing agency may have delayed his comeback until 2024.

Despite that, McGregor is unfazed and already eyeing future fights with BMF champion Justin Gaethje and long-time rival Nate Diaz.

First, he’s got to get by one of the world’s best lightweights in Chandler.

Whenever that happens, he’ll hope to match his UFC 246 performance.

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