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Conor McGregor is set for a sensational return to the UFC before the end of the year to face bitter rival Nate Diaz.

The Dubliner lost his first professional boxing bout to Floyd Mayweather in August but seems destined to return to the octagon for a third fight against his UFC foe.

The score is currently 1-1 between the pair and the Sunday World are reporting that they will have a grudge match in Las Vegas on Saturday, 30 December.

(Image: Getty)

It is said that many of McGregor's family and entourage have already bought tickets to Sin City to see the fight and bring in the new year Stateside.

"Conor has told them that only the 'Is' have to be dotted and the 'Ts' crossed for this to go ahead," revealed an insider.

The fight would be music to the ears of UFC supremo Dana White as McGregor continues to be the biggest draw in the sport with his two previous fights with Diaz the biggest in the UFC's history in terms of pay-per views and media attention.

A first encounter between the pair produced a shock with Diaz forcing a submission, before McGregor won the rematch on points.

(Image: Getty)

The rematch was in August 2016 with Diaz not taking to the octagon since, seemingly holding out for a lucrative McGregor trilogy.

It would cap an hectic 2017 for McGregor who welcomed his and partner Dee Devlin's first child in May, before the biggest pay day of his career in taking on undefeated boxing legend Floyd Mayweather in Las Vegas in August.