If John Kavanagh could pick an opponent for Conor McGregor’s return, it would be a former world champion and a likely future UFC Hall of Famer.

The man in question? A certain Frankie Edgar.

Edgar and McGregor have been linked to each other since McGregor’s rise through the featherweight ranks years ago, but have yet to be scheduled to compete.

For Kavanagh, now is as good a time as any to see the pair throw down.

“I think him and Frankie Edgar would be a great fight,” Kavanagh said. “I think it was in the works when Conor was kind of going on that featherweight tear. He’s an ex-world champion, great fighter.

“Yeah, if it was me, I would love to see the Frankie Edgar fight this year, if possible. And then go on another run in 2020.”

The respect between McGregor and Edgar has been well publicised. While many of McGregor’s opponents engage in a back and forth with the Irishman, Edgar has remained polite whenever McGregor’s name has been mentioned.

Add to that a style that can offer challenges as well as familiarity, and you have an interesting night in the cage.

“Frankie has a style that’s very difficult to deal with. You’ve got to train very hard for it. But it’s also one we’re somewhat familiar with, even from his first fight with (Marcus]) Brimage,” Kavanagh said. “This small, fast guy, quick hands, wrestling. But Frankie’s just been in there with everybody, (he’s a) world champion, he’s beaten legends like B.J. Penn, and so on. I just think that’s a great match for the fans. And for me, I’d love to see it.”