Conor McGregor will come out of retirement to fight Dustin Poirier on December 12 OUTSIDE of UFC with no weight limit

CONOR McGREGOR has challenged Dustin Poirier to a charity MMA fight - only days after claiming he is fighting Manny Pacquiao.

Notorious looks desperate to end his self-imposed exile from the ring and octagon after announcing his retirement in June.

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McGregor, 32, has not fought since he swatted away Donald Cerrone in 40 seconds at UFC 246 in January.

And now he is all set to battle ex-interim UFC lightweight champ and rival Poirier, 31, in a charity fight that has "zero to do with the UFC".

McGregor tweeted in response to a post Poirier sent: "Hey bro! You want to do an MMA charity fight? Zero to do with the UFC.

"I will donate half a mill towards your charity for it. Sell it on PPV or work a TV deal and we work out other charities that are close to my heart also. I am engaged in many.

"Strictly a charity 'exhibition'.

"December 12th in the Point depot, Ireland. No weigh ins. Open weight, unified rules.

"I will arrange all travel fare for you and family.

"McGregor Sports and Entertainment MMA, in association with The Good Fight Foundation. Charity Mixed Martial Arts!"

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Poirier responded: "I'm in! Let's do it! A lot of people will benefit from this @TheGoodFightFDN."

One fan asked Poirier: ";Did we just get the fight we all wanted?"

And he replied with a gif with the message: "Yep."

So it seems all set, with Poirier telling fans: "December 12 circle your calendars."

McGregor and Poirier clashed at UFC 178 in September 2014 with the Irishman knocking out the Diamond in the first round.

A potential spanner in the works that could stop the fight, though, is their contract to the UFC.

Boss Dana White - who slammed McGregor for sharing photos of their private conversations - has both men under exclusive contract, so reports say it is unlikely he would give his blessing to the fight.

McGregor - who recently showed off his dramatic new look - has been busy on social media this week.

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He delivered the bombshell Pacquiao announcement out of the blue and Audie Attar, who represents both men, confirmed talks are taking place.

Attar claimed the boxing match would take place in December or January - so it could be a busy Christmas period for McGregor.