"The rat trap has been set" - Conor McGregor says alleged tax fraud on verge of pushing Khabib Nurmagomedov back into UFC

Conor McGregor is set to make his highly-anticipated return to the octagon in just over a month when he faces Michael Chandler in the main event of UFC 303, ending a three-year hiatus. Despite his former rival Khabib Nurmagomedov walking away from mixed martial arts in October 2020, the former double champ has continuously expressed his interest in a rematch.

'The Notorious' recently revealed that he believes 'The Eagle's' alleged tax fraud will bring him back to the UFC. Speaking on Duelbits recently, McGregor stated:

"That's typical rat behavior. Scurrying rat so he has bills to [pay]. Fight for legacy? Two main events or something he has in the UFC and he owes his bollocks to the Russian government. So, he's going to pay his f**king money that he owes instead of siphoning it out through to other countries."

McGregor continued:

"So, I'm ecstatic and delighted that that's coming on top of him and we all will welcome him back into the fight game where he's ran from. It's a rat trap. The rat trap has been set so we're excited about that and see where it goes. We notice the little rat scurrying on back. We see him back around. Fat rat we call him."

Check out Conor McGregor's comments on Khabib Nurmagomedov below:

The two mixed martial arts headlined the best-selling pay-per-view in UFC history when they clashed at UFC 229 back in October 2018. Nurmagomedov won the bout via fourth-round submission to retain the lightweight belt. Following the bout, chaos ensued as a brawl - which involved the champion heading into the crowd - broke out between the two camps. McGregor has called for a rematch numerous times over the nearly six years since the bout.

---

Conor McGregor could fight for the welterweight title next

Conor McGregor's highly-anticipated return to the octagon will come in a welterweight bout. The former double champ could have the opportunity to challenge for a title in a third weight class if he can beat Michael Chandler at UFC 303 next month.

Speaking to Ariel Helwani of The MMA Hour, Leon Edwards - who will look to defend his welterweight title for the third time when he faces Belal Muhammad at UFC 304 in July - was asked if 'The Notorious' could be his next opponent. He responded:

"100%, why not? Let's give him an opportunity to become a three-division world champion. Give me an opportunity to take out a guy like Conor McGregor. New York. That would be perfect... He's got to take out Michael. I'll take out 'No One Remembers His Name' and we'll go from there. We'll go New York, [Madison Square Garden]... That's the fight I feel."

Check out Leon Edwards' comments on facing Conor McGregor below:

The UFC's return to Madison Square Garden is reportedly set to take place at UFC 309 in November. The card is rumored to be headlined by the delayed heavyweight title bout between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic. 'Bones' and 'The Notorious' have previously expressed an interest in competing on the same card, however, it is unclear if the promotion would use two of their biggest stars at once.