Fans are unsure if Conor McGregor's recent weight gain will be an advantage or a hinderance when he makes his UFC comeback.
McGregor broke his leg in a second consecutive defeat by Dustin Poirier last July but has been returning to training step-by-step ahead of a potential comeback in 2023. During his recovery, McGregor revealed that he has been walking around at 190lb which has seen him later confirm that he intends to return at 170lb.
The Irishman's last win came at welterweight when he wiped out Donald Cerrone in 2020, and it is his only victory in four fights having also lost to Khabib Nurmagomedov. McGregor has promised the "greatest comeback in history" when he returns at the higher weight class, and believes he is capable of conquering a third division.
He took to social media to show off his full 25lb transformation from 145lb, where he reigned as champion, through 155lb where he last fought and then up to 170lb. And some UFC fans believe McGregor's muscular build will signal an upturn in form, with one writing: "Can't wait to see you back champ. 170 Mac."
Another claimed he could become champion, adding: "You would KO Leon [Edwards] in one round." A fan also had a lengthier positive theory: "More like 185. And McGregor would be explosive, fast and powerful there. I spent years cutting bunches of weight for wrestling, walk around 170 but wrestling at 140? Takes a lot out of you vs your natural closest weight. He can afford to fight at a comfortable weight, if it presents itself."
Another fan also agreed: "We’ve seen you at 170, but that’s not 170. [Israel] Adesanya and [Alex] Pereira already shaking seeing The Mac closing in on them." Other fans were less confident, with one commenting: "Problem is Conor’s cardio has never been great, now at a higher weight it’s likely to be even worse." Another agreed: "I mean if that left hand connects you ain’t waking up but if it misses that’s your entire cardio is done to be fair."
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One fan questioned McGregor: "Are you worried about loosing your speed and footwork?" While a final fan pointed out: "You might have maybe two rounds before getting gassed with that much gains so quickly."
Despite fans speculating over his comeback, McGregor will face at least another six months out of action according to UFC president Dana White as he is not currently enrolled in the USADA drug testing pool. A whole host of tests will be available in 2023 including potential fights against Jorge Masvidal and Michael Chandler, in addition to his plan to fight for the title held by Edwards.
