McGregor and Loughnane are training together in the Middle EastCredit: @brendanmma – instagram

Brendan Loughnane, who is the former PFL featherweight champion, has provided McGregor with a world-class training partner ahead of his proposed return in 2024.

The Manchester man previously proved UFC CEO Dana White wrong for rejecting him by winning a $1 million tournament and becoming a world champion in the process.

Loughnane is also gearing up for his own comeback fight after suffering a shock knockout loss – the first stoppage defeat of his career – when he fought Jesus Pinedo in June.

On Friday, the former dual-weight UFC titleholder shared several pictures of him sparring with Loughnane and a video of them going through an intense wrestling drill together.

A few days earlier, the British fan favourite posted pictures of him and McGregor squaring off against each other in striking and wrestling exchanges.

More shots of the unlikely friends hanging out have also circulated online.

McGregor hasn’t fought since breaking his leg during a trilogy bout with Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021 – but he’s been injury-free all year.

The UFC legend is booked to fight Michael Chandler and the two men even filmed a series of The Ultimate Fighter together ahead of a proposed clash that was supposed to take place in 2023.

‘Notorious’ posted some action shots from sparringCredit: @thenotoriousmma – instagram

But also a clip of him drenched in sweat during wrestling practiceCredit: @thenotoriousmma – instagram

However, McGregor’s return to action has been delayed by a dispute with the UFC’s drug testing partner and will now happen at some point next year.

John Kavanagh, who has trained McGregor since his MMA debut, recently told talkSPORT that his biggest star will fight before the first half of 2024 is over.

“We have no date set yet, but within the first half of next year he’ll definitely have his comeback,” the SBG Ireland Head Coach insisted.

It’s hoped McGregor vs Chandler will headline UFC 300 in April, but White has remained coy on exactly when and where the Irishman will make his comeback.