McGregor’s first fight back in the UFC is expected to be a lightweight title unification bout against Ferguson, who claimed the interim 155lbs belt in the main event of UFC 216 in October.

The prospect of a bout between the pair has excited many in the MMA world due to their eagerness to stand and trade.

Many have predicted that McGregor will edge the contest because of his ‘cleaner’ striking, which he refined during his training for his boxing match with Floyd Mayweather Jr.

One man who doesn’t agree with that notion is Kevin Lee, who Ferguson defeated to claim in the interim lightweight crown.

“[McGregor] gets his a** beat,” ‘The Motown Phenom’ said during an appearance on MMA Junkie Radio. “And then who knows, maybe I come back, I fight one, and then I fight McGregor. 

“That’d be a big fight. We’ll see. We’ll see how it shakes up.”

In Lee’s opinion, Ferguson’s year of experience will negate McGregor’s striking prowess.

He added: “Tony’s going to be way too experienced, Tony’s going to be way too tough.

“He’s going to be too much for him. So I’m interested to see that fight.

“I wish they would just go ahead and make the damn fight happen already.

“I hear it’s supposed to go down in March, so we’ll see.”

Prior to losing to Ferguson at UFC 216, Lee was adamant he has the skill set to dethrone McGregor, a belief he still holds.

“I still feel like I’m the best fight for [McGregor] in this division,” he said. 

“He’s got a couple suitors in there, but I don’t think he beats Tony. There ain’t no way.”