UFC icon Conor McGregor has hit out at his former sparring partner Paulie Malignaggi.

According to the Irishman, who made his boxing debut in a 10th round defeat to Floyd Mayweather Jr in August's Las Vegas bout, enlisted the services of Malignaggi prior to the fight.

The 29-year-old Dublin fighter swapped the UFC octagon for the boxing ring in the anticipated fight against Mayweather Jr.

However, Malignaggi later left McGregor's camp, citing that he felt disrespected by Notorious and his team during sparring sessions.

Further fuel was added to the ever-increasing fire before the fight, after Mayweather teased that he sent Malignaggi in as a spy.

McGregor admitted that he was intentionally volatile towards his sparring partner, after outside comments which were made by Malignaggi.

Ever since, the two athletes have traded verbal blows, with both keen for a fight to settle the score. 

"He's a f***ing rabbit, I swear to God," McGregor said.

"I have no problem with that man. He came in, he's done what he was asked to do. He knew what it was, he knew it was a fight. You knew it wasn't a spar, you're coming in, we were gonna fight and that's it.

"He went and started to do interviews and expected good treatment and respect. What do you expect if you go running your mouth?"

Meanwhile, McGregor believes that he could beat Mayweather, should the pair engage in a rematch.

Speaking to Sky, McGregor said: "He changed his style three times. The third time he went Mexican style with his hands, knuckles above the eyebrows, dipped in low and started walking forward.

"It's a style of fighting that caught me off guard because he never fights like that. I did not prepare or anticipate it. Ultimately it got him the win. Much respect to him but it is what it is.

"If I got another go I would beat him."

It has not been confirmed what sport the mixed martial artist will fight in next after he temporarily left the UFC to take up boxing.