The British fighter's hopes of becoming a three-time heavyweight world champion were ended in brutal fashion at Wembley Stadium on Saturday (21.09.24) but McGregor says that defeats are simply a part of being in the ring and backed Joshua to recover from the loss.
The UFC star told The Stomping Ground: "AJ is number one.
"This is his eighth stadium show here with Eddie and Barry [Hearn].
"He’s a legend forever."
Asked if there is a route back to the top for Joshua, 'The Notorious' said: "For sure there is.
"He had him. He smacked him back. He stood his ground and smacked him back. And then he went forward and got caught.
"It’s only boxing. You get caught, you catch someone.
"Of course, he can come back. For sure!"
Meanwhile, McGregor has confirmed that he plans to fight in the UFC for the first time in four years in 2025 after a planned clash with Michael Chandler this year had to be cancelled after he suffered a broken toe.
The Irish fighter told DAZN: "It will be 2025.
"We will see. My opponent that I had scheduled... it is what it is. I take it on board and rock on. My job is to go to the gym and be in shape, whenever it is and wherever it is. I will be 100 per cent ready.
"I must get two fights in 2025. It’s the promised land. Who knows (who the next opponent will be). It does not matter. Whoever, let’s see. I’d like it to be Chandler. I wish him well and see where it goes."
