Conor McGregor, after over a year away from the Octagon, is set for return to face Donald Cerrone in a welterweight bout on January 18, 2020.

Ever since the announcement of the fight at UFC 246, the word doing the rounds across the combat sport world is that Cerrone will be a speed bump for the former two-division champion and the win would serve as a perfect impetus for Notorious ahead of taking up major challenges like Khabib Nurmagomedov or Jorge Masvidal.

The American mixed martial art fighter has admitted to have heard rumours of him receiving a massive payday from the authorities in UFC to concede the fight in favour of the Irish ace – in order to put him in the pedestal before bigger marquee fights in the coming year.

Speaking on the issue, Cerrone told MMA Fighting: “Hell no, I’m not bowing down. There’s a bunch of sh*t going around, people keep telling me ‘I heard you’re getting paid to take a dive.’

“There wouldn’t be enough money in the world for someone to pay me to take a dive. I could never look myself in the mirror if somebody paid me to take a dive. Sh*t, never happen.

“I’d rather fight for free than take money to f*cking lose. That’s not me. I’m going to fight my ass off like I do every time.”

Despite the enthusiasm shown by the 36-year-old, statistics have not been to his liking with back-to-back losses to Tony Ferguson and Justin Gaethie. While many are of the opinion it should have been Gaethie instead of Cerrone to fight McGregor in the first showcase event in 2020.

Asked about this scenario, Cerrone replied: “I’m still No. 4 or 5 or whatever the hell I am. It’s not like I’m getting beat up by bums, somewhere down there getting tumble-weeded in the rankings pool. I don’t know where I’m sitting but I’m still at the top of the list.”

The 50-fight veteran holds the record of most wins and most finishes in Ultimate Fighting Championship history, alongside three impressive victories against Al Iaquinta, Alexander Hernandez and Mike Perry, all within a span of six months.

Cerrone, talking positive towards his rival, concluded by saying: “I expect the best Conor you guys have ever seen. I really do.

“He has so many doubters and questions that he needs to answer. I think he’s training extra hard, he’s coming and I think he’s going to be the best Conor you have ever seen.”

Only time will tell what the future holds for Cerrone and McGregor as both aim to get back to winning ways, making a positive start to 2020.