Conor McGregor fans believe his "titanium leg" will see him return to the UFC better than ever.
McGregor hasn't fought since suffering a horrific leg break during a defeat by Dustin Poirier last year. He was forced to have a metal rod inserted to help fix the break and has been plotting a return to the cage ever since.
The Irish star updated fans by posting a video of his return to kicking practice, using his leg against a heavy bag. This has increased the anticipation for his return, with one fan commenting: "Built different #Titanium #Unbreakable."
Another agreed, writing: "Titanium shin bone slinging McGregor!" One fan added: "The titanium shin bone is exactly what he needed." Fans have also suggested this will see him return to his best, with one excitedly claiming: "Yes! The leg is looking strong. This is Conor at his best, with the dynamic kicks."
Another supporter wrote: "And this time when he returns the whole world's gonna forget everything else #TheGreatest." One fan believes he will return to the cage soon, saying: "His broken leg doesn’t look broken anymore that’s good he will be back soon." A more negative fan concluded: "You’re literally going to get destroyed by everyone else in the division, your career is over and everyone in the division is on a different level than you at this point."
McGregor previously claimed he would use the metal bar as a weapon against his opponents when he makes his next bow, writing on Twitter : "I cannot wait to wrap this steel bar in my leg across the neck of a future opponent! I am counting down the seconds until I get to launch this weapon."
The Irishman has suggested he will return to the Octagon this year but this seems increasingly unlikely after his plan to return to full sparring slipped behind schedule. If he does not make a comeback until 2023, he will be looking to make a winning return to the UFC, having not tasted victory in three years.
However, his latest training video offers fresh hope that arguably the promotion's biggest superstar will fight this year. McGregor has stated his plans to return at 170lbs and challenge current champion Kamaru Usman. It is likely he will first take a tune-up fight before making any potential assault on Usman's belt.
UFC president Dana White could potentially hand McGregor an immediate title shot with the 'Nigerian Nightmare' not competing until August 20. However, it seems more feasible that McGregor faces Michael Chandler after the star's recent victory over Tony Ferguson.
White believes a meeting between the pair makes the most sense from all of McGregor's current options. “I don’t know. I really like Chandler vs. Conor after Chandler’s last fight,” White told TMZ Sports. “There’s plenty of fights to make. Conor is ranked No. 8, he’s ranked No. 5 — it makes a lot of sense right now."
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