'The fans demand it': Dustin Poirier asks UFC to set up fight with Conor McGregor

Irishman had earlier stated he wants the match but only if it happens in 2020

Conor McGregor celebrates his first round TKO victory againt Donald Cerrone in a welterweight bout during UFC246 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. AFP

Conor McGregor celebrates his win against Donald Cerrone. Reuters

Conor McGregor reacts following his first round TKO victory against Donald Cerrone. Reuters

Boxer Tyson Fury watched on from cage side. AFP

Conor McGregor pins Donald Cerrone against the cage. Reuters

Conor McGregor lands a kick against Donald Cerrone. Reuters

Conor McGregor is introduced before fighting Donald Cerrone. Reuters

Donald Cerrone is introduced before fighting Conor McGregor. Reuters

Conor McGregor before his fight against Donald Cerrone. Reuters

Conor McGregor moves in for a knee hit against Donald Cerrone. Reuters

Conor McGregor lands a kick to the face of Donald Cerrone. Reuters

MMA Mixed Martial Arts - UFC 246 - Welterweight - Conor McGregor v Donald Cerrone - T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, United States - January 18, 2020 Conor McGregor enters the arena before his fight against Donald Cerrone REUTERS/Mike Blake

MMA Mixed Martial Arts - UFC 246 - Welterweight - Conor McGregor v Donald Cerrone - T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, United States - January 18, 2020 Conor McGregor with Jerry Cerrone, grandmother of Donald Cerrone after the fight REUTERS/Mike Blake

MMA Mixed Martial Arts - UFC 246 - Welterweight - Conor McGregor v Donald Cerrone - T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, United States - January 18, 2020 Conor McGregor before his fight against Donald Cerrone REUTERS/Mike Blake

Dustin Poirier has accepted Conor McGregor's offer for a fight, paving the way for the Irishman's return to the UFC octagon.

McGregor, the former two-division champion, had announced his retirement in June for the third time in four years but stated he is now ready for a comeback.

McGregor tweeted: “Hello Dustin! I accepted the UFC’s offer to fight you, but told them it must happen in 2020. I’m ready for Nov 21st, given that cards recent injury issues, as well as any of the December dates, the 12th and the 19th. I’ll also still donate the $500k to The Good Fight Foundation.”

In response, Poirier urged the UFC to set up the match.

"I fight for a lot of things, but nothing more important to me than fighting for change and giving back. I have accepted, Connor has accepted, and the fans demand it!  Let’s go UFC," Poirier said on Twitter.

In their 2014 match, the Irishman stopped Poirier in the first round before going on to dominate in both the lightweight and featherweight divisions.

Last month, it seemed McGregor was not going to return to the promotion any time soon when he tweeted screenshots of private messages with UFC president Dana White.

White was understandably unhappy, stating: “Listen, I’ve had people blowing me up left and right. Everybody here knows, this is some man-code stuff. It’s just something you don’t do. It’s one of the dirtiest things you can do.”

McGregor then said he would be fighting Filipino boxing great Manny Pacquiao, though he then offered to fight Poirier in an exhibition match in Dublin for charity.