Conor McGregor says he will fight this year, but his manager said that a blockbuster UFC return won't likely be in the summer.

CONOR MCGREGOR will return to action in this year's fight, but he is unlikely to be in the octagon again in the summer.

UFC's poster child is still recovering from the terrible broken leg he sustained in the fight with Dustin Pourier last July.

McGregor's faster-than-anticipated recovery had seemingly paved the way for a summer return, but co-manager Tim Simpson doesn't foresee that coming to fruition.

Paradigm Sports Senior Vice President Tim Simpson stated that while he didn't believe it would be this summer, it would be on The MMA Hour.

"Maybe we wait to see when the lightweight title fight takes place and then go there.

"He will fight in this year's fight and it is a credit for him. He has no real reason to except the desire to, and that is impressive."

McGregor, 33 years old, has not only accumulated wealth over the past five years but he is also determined to be the best in the world.

Simpson believes that the Irishman's burning desire to win is a testimony to his character.

The Aussie stated that he doesn't have to return, because he is who and what he has accomplished financially and athletically.

"After that injury, it was like, "Now might be the right time." He wants to fight again, which I find baffling. It also says a lot about him.

McGregor has used the time he spent on the sidelines not only to heal his leg but also to pump plenty iron.

He has been able to bulk up to 86kg through his heavy lifting program, earning him four US Anti-Doping Agency visits.

Team McGregor has no doubts about Mystic Mac's abilities to lose the extra muscle mass.

Fox Sports recently interviewed John Kavanagh, head coach: "I don’t think it will prove difficult to be honest.

"He has had some dramatic weight reductions in the past.

He seems to be a good fit at 155 lbs.

"The physical stage is almost complete, and you have seen his posts.

"He's been having a great Christmas, but he's ready to go back to training and prepare for another contest."