Conor McGregor's next fight: Irishman accepts Donald Cerrone challenge after devastating win over Alex Hernandez

The Notorious is aiming to bounce back after defeat to Khabib Nurmagomedov and was impressed by ‘The Cowboy’ at UFC Brooklyn

Conor McGregor has publicly accepted Donald Cerrone's challenge (Getty)

Conor McGregor has accepted a challenge from Donald Cerrone to pave the way for his return to the cage after suffering defeat to Khabib Nurmagomedov last year.

Cerrone shone at UFC Brooklyn with ‘The Cowboy’ stopping Alex Hernandez in the second round after a barrage of punches followed a perfectly executed head kick.

And Cerrone called out McGregor afterwards, stating: ”This is the fight (vs Hernandez) the UFC and I both wanted. Now I want top five and I even want Conor if he’ll agree to it. Conor would be awesome.

“Anyone in the top five. I’m coming for the belt. ‘Cowboy’ is back, I’m on a roll and here I come.”

McGregor was clearly an interested observer, accepting the offer and pushing the UFC to begin negotiations for his comeback fight after his record-breaking pay-per-view clash with Nurmagomedov.

McGregor waded in on Henry Cejudo’s big win over T.J. Dillashaw to retain his UFC flyweight title with a rapid TKO, highlighting he still holds the record for quickest win in UFC history after taking 13 seconds to dispatch Jose Aldo in 2015.

McGregor wrote on social media: “Unlucky T.J on your attempt at Champ Champ™️ status. Respect for your weight cut. I have been there and it is not easy.

“Unlucky Henry on your attempt at fastest K.O in a UFC title fight. I have been there, and I still am. Congrats on the win. Yours truly, The O.G Champ Champ.”