Makhachev made his second straight title defenceCredit: Getty

McGregor is fit and raring to go after a long recovery from injuryCredit: Getty

Most expect the Russian to face Charles Oliveira, who was forced to pull out of Saturday’s event through injury, or Justin Gaethje.

However, Cormier has thrown MMA’s biggest name into the hat.

McGregor has not fought since breaking his leg in defeat to Dustin Poirier in July 2021.

The 36-year-old has lost three of his last four fights and many would consider him undeserving of a title shot on his return.

‘Notorious’ has returned to full fitness and re-entered the drug testing pool ahead of a return to the Octagon in 2024.

His proposed comeback fight with Michael Chandler appears to be fizzling out – but ex-heavyweight champion Cormier believes the Makhachev match-up is perfect.

A fight would be all the more intriguing given McGregor’s infamous rivalry with the Russian and his teammate: former UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov.

“I think Islam should fight Conor [McGregor] next,” Cormier said.

Cormier is one of the UFC’s most prominent voicesCredit: Getty

“Because listen to this now, it’s built-in. It’s the biggest money fight the UFC can make and why not?

“You have Islam Makhachev who looks to be a guy who’s gonna be a dominant champion. In order to have that dominant champion go to the next level of superstardom, you need a foil.

“You need a guy that can elevate him. The guy that can elevate him to that level is Conor McGregor.

“Look at what beating Conor McGregor did for Dustin Poirier, look at what it did for Khabib Nurmagomedov. We’re not even talking about all the other levels at which this just makes sense.

“You have Islam fighting Conor after the issues Conor has had with Khabib and everything else. You have Islam fighting Conor, the biggest star in mixed martial arts.

“Conor coming back to the UFC. It makes all the sense in the world.”