Despite targeting a return to the UFC, Conor McGregor's former opponent claims it is hard for him "to do anything physical anymore"

Irish MMA megastar Conor McGregor has been targeting a return to fighting for some years now. After briefly being tied to UFC 303 in June, talks of 'The Notorious' returning have slowly fizzled out of the radar of MMA fans.

Another man who's planning on making a return is McGregor's former foe, UFC legend Donald 'Cowboy' Cerrone. Just like the Irishman, however, Cerrone is having a hard time making his much-awaited comeback.

Commenting on a video posted by former UFC bantamweight champ TJ Dillashaw on Instagram, 'Cowboy' admitted to being envious of the retired former champion. Dillashaw was shown working the stationary bike while talking to the camera, saying:

"I ain't gonna sugar-coat it. Get up off you a**, get to work. Holidays are done. 2024 is just about behind us. Make 2025 your year."

Donald Cerrone commented:

"My man still in shape. It’s hard for me to do anything physical anymore 😂😂"

Donald Cerrone's comment on TJ Dillashaw's video. [Image credit: @tjdillashaw on Instagram]

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When Donald Cerrone faced Conor McGregor in 2020

Back in January 2020, Donald Cerrone and Conor McGregor clashed in the main event of UFC 246. Both men were coming off losses.

Cerrone was coming off a brutal TKO defeat to Justin Gaethje just four months earlier. As for McGregor, 'The Notorious' was looking to make a splash after taking more than a year off after losing to Khabib Nurmagomedov in 2018.

The bout had a lot of hype not uncommon in a Conor McGregor bout. Although hewas neither fighting anyone in the top five nor for the title, fan interest was still high as everyone was curious how the Irishman would bounce back from the Nurmagomedov loss.

The bout was also notable for McGregor's pre-fight behavior, which was uncharacteristically calm and respectful.

The bout barely lasted less than a minute as McGregor immediately went for his trademark left cross, which missed and instigated a clinch battle.

From there, fans witnessed something they thought they'd never see: McGregor hurting Cerrone and busting his nose with shoulder strikes.

After briefly separating, McGregor landed a solid head kick that sent Cerrone crashing to the mat. After a few ground-and-pound punches, referee Herb Dean called the fight, declaring McGregor the winner via TKO.

The loss was the second in a seven-fight winless streak for Cerrone, while the win was the last for McGregor, who would suffer back-to-back losses before taking a break from the sport.