LAS VEGAS -- Conor McGregor, who makes his return to the UFC on Saturday, wants to fight three times or more in 2020, with Jorge Masvidal -- a more than willing foe -- near the top of a list of potential opponents.
Masvidal reiterated Thursday that he'd prefer to fight McGregor rather than challenging Kamaru Usman for the UFC welterweight title. Masvidal had a torrid 2019, finishing Darren Till, Ben Askren and Nate Diaz. The latter was for the mythical BMF title at Madison Square Garden in November.
Fighting McGregor would present Masvidal a bigger event with more eyes on it -- not to mention a bigger payday -- than his pursuit of the welterweight title, which he said could wait.
Of course, all of that is contingent on McGregor beating Donald Cerrone in the main event of UFC 246 on Saturday at T-Mobile Arena. UFC president Dana White told TMZ on Thursday that McGregor is eyeing Masvidal -- and Masvidal's BMF title -- after Cerrone.
"Somebody will always have the belt at 170 pounds," Masvidal said. "It doesn't really matter if it's Kamaru or not. Conor is a bigger fight. Now, if Conor doesn't do his job or Conor doesn't want to fight after this fight, we're gonna take Usman's head off."
Masvidal is currently recovering from injuries to his hands after his busy 2019, but "Gamebred" said he could return as early as April, though June would be more ideal. While McGregor has toyed with the idea of fighting again as early as March, Masvidal said coming back that soon would be up to his coaches and First Round Management team.
"If the chips fall into the right place, maybe yes, maybe not," Masvidal said. "We're not in a rush either."
If McGregor is next, Masvidal would expect to win that fight and then face Usman later in 2020.
"Conor obviously has flirted with the idea of fighting," Masvidal said. "And if me and Conor go into the Octagon, what happens? It's one of the biggest fights in UFC history. Just by math."
Usman, who was wearing a cast on his left hand after suffering a thumb injury during his UFC 245 main event TKO victory against Colby Covington last month, also addressed the media Thursday.
When asked about future opponents, Usman responded: "I'm the champion. They have to come to me."
McGregor, who has already been UFC champion at lightweight and featherweight, has expressed interest in trying to win a third title in a fight with Usman.
Said Usman: "Conor can get it, too."
Usman has not been as interested in fighting Masvidal, responding with "Who?" when asked about him.