UFC president Dana White has given his approval for Conor McGregor to face off against Donald Cerrone, the Daily Express report.

The Irishman was handed a six-month suspension earlier in the week and given a $50,000 fine for his part in the mass brawl after his defeat to Russian Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Harry How/Getty Images Sport

The 30-year-old is eligible to return in April and has been linked with a clash against Cerrone.

The pair were involved in a heated exchange back in 2015 and the American has recently called out ‘The Notorious’ following his latest win against Alexander Hernandez at UFC Fight Night 143 in Brooklyn. 

The old man’s still got it. I want top five. I even want Conor [McGregor] if he’ll agree to it.

Cowboy’s back. I’m on a roll baby, here I come.

McGregor then responded to Cerrone’s challenge, admitting he would be open to taking on the American.

For a fight like that Donald, I’ll fight you. Congratulations.

And when asked earlier in the week about the possibility of McGregor making his return against Cerrone, White said:

I like that fight. They both have called each other out.

First ‘Cowboy’, tell me the last boring fight that guy was in. The answer’s never.

He just busted into the top 10, warrior, unbelievable fight he just had and Conor McGregor’s fought anybody we’ve ever asked to. If these two want to fight, I’m in.

Despite McGregor being eligible to return to action on April 6, a week before UFC 236, the Irishman will reportedly make his return to the Octagon in the summer and could well get his wish by taking on Cerrone.