Conor McGregor's long-awaited return to the Octagon has been and gone as he blew away Donald Cerrone in under a minute at UFC 246.

After a three-year-long hiatus, McGregor's bout with Cerrone headlined the event this weekend, which could now signal the start of what could be a very busy year for the Irishman.

McGregor is clearly a changed man since his appearance in UFC back in 2018, when he lost to Khabib Nurmagomedov, with a noticeably more humble and subdued approach before and after fight night.

It is only January as well, and, unsurprisingly, fans are looking ahead to the year, predicting who 'The Notorious' may or may not come up against over the next 12 months.

With McGregor believed to be eyeing out three fights this year, here are six potential opponents he could come up against.

6. Dustin Poirier - Lightweight 

Poirier has recovered admirably after McGregor made light work of their bout in 2014, beating the like of Max Holloway and Eddie Alvarez.

A rematch would certainly be a bad blooded affair, but it is difficult to see McGregor giving him the time of day now.

5. Justin Gaethje - Lightweight

Gaethje's gung-ho approach would certainly make for an explosive bout if he were to meet McGregor.

It would undoubtedly be an entertaining fight and you can't see UFC fans complaining if it were to happen.

4. Kamaru Usman - Welterweight

Usman is the only thing standing between McGregor and the title of the sports first three-weight champion and has previously warned the Irishman about challenging him for his title.

3. Nate Diaz - Welterweight

The trilogy that everyone wants to see.

A 2020 coming together between McGregor and Diaz would sell heaps of pay-per-view copies as they look to finally settle the score after exchanging wins in their opening two bouts.

2. Jorge Masvidal - Welterweight

Just imagine the fireworks.

Both men have made no secret of their desire to have a go at each other and it would certainly prove to be a titanic match-up.

1. Khabib Nurmagomedov - Lightweight



The fight that UFC fans - along with the rest of the world as well - are desperate to see.

Nurmagomedov humbled McGregor in their first fight, submitting 'The Notorious' in possibly the biggest event in the history of the sport.

Fans have been howling for a rematch and it looks like 2020 might just be the year that they get what they want.