McGregor's coach prefers Diaz trilogy fight to Ferguson title clash

Conor McGregor's coach Owen Roddy would rather see the mixed martial arts superstar face Nate Diaz than Tony Ferguson upon his return to UFC.

McGregor has not featured in the octagon since knocking out Eddie Alvarez in the second round of their lightweight title fight at UFC 205 last November, when he became the first man to hold belts in two UFC divisions simultaneously.

Despite a switch to boxing for a megafight with Floyd Mayweather Jr that ended in defeat, the Irishman remains one of the biggest draws in MMA.

Roddy would prefer to see him return to a trilogy fight against Diaz, who he beat by majority decision at UFC 202 after being choked out in their first encounter in March 2015 for his first loss, over a bout with Ferguson, who submitted Kevin Lee for the interim lightweight title at the weekend and called out McGregor in the aftermath.

"I think people would rather see Conor versus Diaz," Roddy told Submission Radio.

"I just think it's a more exciting fight for everybody. It's the trilogy, the first two fights, the back and forth between the guys and the way the fights went. You know, who wouldn't want to see the third fight?

"But of course, it makes sense that [Ferguson] fights, he defends the belt. Whatever happens, I don't know, but I've said this already, I would like to see Diaz three.

"The Ferguson fight is an interesting one as well. He's an exciting fighter so it will be an exciting fight, so either or.

"I'd just be happy to get Conor back in the UFC, fighting in the cage and doing what we do best. I just can't wait for that first to go again.

"I just want to see him back in there sooner rather than later."