McGregor (photo via UFC/ ZUFFA)

By Kelsey Mowatt

In an era where some are questioning whether the UFC has enough stars, Conor McGregor has been doing his best to become one, despite the fact he has spent more time on the sidelines since joining the promotion.

The Irish fighter, who is recovering from knee surgery he underwent after decisioning Max Holloway last August, will make his return July 19th versus Cole Miller. The latter is one of many vets who hasn’t really cared for McGregor’s bravado, and more specifically, the dynamic featherweight’s habit of trash talking top ranked fighters.

Well, McGregor appeared on the latest edition of “UFC Tonight” Wednesday, and not surprisingly, the emerging star was in fine form. When asked about the status of his knee, and whether he’ll be ready to take on the rugged Miller on July 19th, McGregor stated (quote via FOX Sports 1):

“I stay ready. That man opened his mouth. He was under the influence of post-fight adrenaline and it has the same effect as alcohol. It makes you brave,” said McGregor (14-2), who made his Octagon debut in April, 2013 and stopped Marcus Brimage. “But guess what happened? It wore off. Now he has to face the reality that he’s going to face me – me coming back from this injury is a man possessed. I’m going to go in there and break him in the very first exchange.”

“What knee? The knee is a distant memory. I’m done talking about it. I’ve got the all clear,” the 25 year-old stated. “Someone is going to pay. First in line is Cole Miller on July 19 in my hometown of Dublin.”

McGregor joined the UFC last year with a ton of hype behind him, thanks to a run with Cage Warriors, which saw him win the promotion’s lightweight and featherweight titles. It didn’t take long for mainstream fans to take note of McGregor’s highlight reel striking skills, and of course, his gift for self promotion. Now, “Notorious” has been tapped to headline an event, in what is just his third UFC bout.

McGregor

“I don’t feel any pressure whatsoever. A man who wears a suit like this doesn’t feel pressure. Moving around is difficult. In and out of the gym, I have to dodge panty hose, every time I enter and leave,” said McGregor, before referring to rising welterweight Gunnar Nelson. “So I’m moving to Iceland to prepare with my teammate who’s the co-main event. It’s a beautiful place, it’s peaceful and the people are nice. It’s isolated and we’ll focus on the contest. I’m coming back July 19 and I’m going to whip Cole Miller.”

Miller (21-8) will pose an interesting challenge for McGregor, not only because he is a BJJ black belt, but because the 6’1 tall fighter’s long reach and length. If McGregor is concerned about Miller’s reach and striking game, not surprisingly, he’s not showing it.

“He’s slow. He’s scared. I’m fast. I’m fearless. There’s no contest. I see it in his voice, his body language. He’s petrified,” McGregor told “UFC Tonight.” I’m coming to get him. And not just him – forget him – I’ve listened to everyone calling me out. Now I’m back and I’m going to rip through them. I’ll smash Chad Mendes, I’ll annihilate Jose Aldo. I’m coming to take over the division. It’s my division.”

McGregor’s trash talk didn’t end there apparently, as after promising to defeat Mendes and Aldo, the featherweight took aim at the promotion’s #4 ranked 145’er.

“That is true. I didn’t ignore him. I didn’t see him. Then I said ah, old man Swanson. I have no problem with you, but when the time comes I’m going to break you, old man,” McGregor relayed about Swanson, who is just 30 years old and is riding a five fight win streak. “There was some back and forth. I said I’m just having fun, but keep the old timer away from me.”

UFC Fight Night 46 will be hosted by Dublin’s O2 Arena.