Conor McGregor hasn't competed in UFC since he defeated Eddie Alvarez to capture the UFC Lightweight Championship at UFC 205 in November 2016, but he's expected to return to the Octagon at some point this year.One opponent which McGregor could return to face is Nate Diaz. The Irishman hasn't faced off against the American since he defeated him at UFC 202 back in August 2016. This was a follow-up fight to McGregor's loss to Diaz at UFC 196.A third fight between the two longtime rivals has been rumored ever since their second fight ended almost two years ago in order to complete the trilogy and decide who is the better fighter of the two. There are reports that could happen by the end of 2018. In preparation for his MMA return, McGregor posted a series of training photos on his Instagram on Saturday in which he could be seen passing guard and transitioning to the mount during a session on the mats. In the caption, he said: “Transitioning into full mount. The second most dominant position in fighting. After back mount top.”A fan made reference in a comment to the fact that Diaz defeated the Irish fighter with a similar move, saying: “Like what [Nate Diaz] did to you yeaaaaa that’s the one! I like his example better.".McGregor responded to the fan and said: “Exactly. A truly beautiful position. The most intense position to be in under the lights of the entire world. Try and imagine what it would feel like. Amazing. Respect to Nate always and our trilogy will be special when we do it 100%."There is no rush [Nate Diaz] our trilogy will show true to us for what we are. Warriors. And respect always to you as a fan Jesse, and the fans all around the world who support and recognise our work for what it is. The truest form of unarmed combat on earth. This is as real as it gets. This is the [UFC].”

John Kavanagh, Notorious' coach, has recently said that he believes McGregor and Diaz could fight again, and it could happen at the end of the year. However, he also believes the American needs to keep himself occupied until then for the fight to happen. Diaz hasn't stepped in the Octagon since he fought against McGregor in 2016.

So it looks as though McGregor is still very much interested in fighting Diaz for the third time in his career, but when he'll fight him again remains to be seen.