Conor McGregor could make his eagerly-anticipated return to the Octagon in a UFC lightweight title fight.

The Notorious is almost fully recovered from the horrific broken leg that he suffered in his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier in July.

The Irishman's UFC return is officially being pushed back to next year, but he could return at UFC 283, the promotion's major pay-per-view in Rio de Janeiro on January 21.

Former champion Charles Oliveira is willing to give 34-year-old McGregor another shot at the title right away, if he wins his UFC 280 clash with Islam Makhachev.

Oliveira told ESPN: 'I like the narrative.'It would be perfect. We've been asking for this fight in Brazil so hopefully, it works out.

'I really do [think it will happen next year]. That's the sole reason why I accepted this fight [with Makhachev].

'I know the more victories, the better the chances so this is a step towards that fight.

'I'd like to leave the Octagon already knowing who I'd be fighting next.

'I'd advise [McGregor] to take very good care of what words he uses [in Brazil], especially when referring to me.'

Oliveira was on the receiving end of a call out from McGregor after defending the lightweight title against Poirier last December.

The Brazilian returned the favour after his submission victory over Justin Gaethje in May, saying: 'Dana White, you can put anyone in front of me. I'm not going to choose. Hey, Conor McGregor. Are you coming up? Or are you going to run away?'

McGregor quickly accepted the offer, saying: 'I'd love to fight the Brazilian, 100%!

'I love Brazil and I'm unbeaten against Brazil. All KO's. I've some thinking to do.'

UFC president Dana White had previously suggested that the Irishman could return to action this winter or early next year and it has now been stated that the latter is the case, his manager Tim Simpson confirmed. 

McGregor is featuring in remake of Road House alongside Jake Gyllenhall for his Hollywood debut but Simpson has assured that the filming is not a factor in delaying his comeback from the broken leg sustained last summer. 

He told MMA Junkie: '(The film is a) fun little venture then switching back to climbing the mountain again. It fits in perfectly. He's still on track for a big return next year, but this fits in perfectly in the meantime.

'Acting wasn't something I think that Conor at the very front of his mind, right now he's still a world class athlete and his focus is being the best fighter in the world. 

'But as the injury continues to heal and he continues to prepare for a comeback, the timing worked well. 

'It's a great opportunity to do a big Hollywood blockbuster in meantime and he's going to kill it.' 

Oliveira must first get past one of the most difficult tests the lightweight division has to offer in Makhachev. 

The Russian hasn't lost since 2015, and is currently on a lengthy win streak that has made him one of the most feared fighters at 155lb.