Conor McGregor ready to return to UFC after brutal lockdown training sessions to compete on ‘Fight Island’, says White

CONOR McGREGOR is "ready" to return after weeks of lockdown training and could make his comeback on the UFC's new "Fight Island".

The Irishman recorded his first win inside the octagon for three years in January, knocking Donald Cerrone out in just 40 seconds.

It seemed to pave the way for the 31-year-old to build his way back up to a title shot against Khabib Nurmagomedov, who beat him in 2018.

But amid the coronavirus pandemic, the Irishman has been forced to self-isolate with his next fight now up in the air.

With several states banning professional sports, UFC president Dana White revealed he has acquired a private island to host events, which he hopes will be up and running by June.

It could feature the return of McGregor, despite the UFC due to suffer a massive loss in ticket sales.

White said: “Conor’s been ready to fight for a while. He’s in shape. He’s ready to go.

"It kills me to do a fight with Conor without fans. Kills me. This guy’s doing almost $20million gates.”

McGregor was in talks to face Justin Gaethje in July, but with lightweight king Nurmagomedov in Russia and unable to defend his belt, the American will instead face Tony Ferguson for the interim title at UFC 249.

The winner will then unify against Khabib, leaving The Notorious momentarily frozen out of the title picture.

But with the lightweight champion and two contenders tied up, it leaves the door open for McGregor to stay at welterweight and face Jorge Masvidal, who saw his shot at Kamaru Usman's belt axed following the crisis.

Despite the uncertainty, White revealed McGregor has been texting him to ask when he can next fight.