Conor McGregor has promised fans the return of "Nasty Mac" as he continues to step up his recovery from injury ahead of a UFC comeback.
The Irishman has been out of action since breaking his leg in a second consecutive defeat by Dustin Poirier last July. Fans are eager to see the return of arguably the sport's leading superstar, who is planning a return before the end of the year.
McGregor has been sharing pictures and footage of his ripped physique after bulking up to 190lb during his lay-off and is likely to have several options open to him when he returns.
The Irishman is plotting a comeback at 170lb where his last victory came in a tune-up fight against Donald Cerrone two years ago. However McGregor had an extremely active weekend on social media with UFC 274 taking place and featuring lightweight rivals Charles Oliveira and Michael Chandler.
Oliveira opted to call out McGregor who previously wanted an immediate title shot at the Brazilian before ballooning in weight during his comeback. But the Irish star declined to accept the offer and contemplated his upcoming weight plan. "I’m not sure I wish to cut the weight," he said. "I am really enjoying being built like a refrigerator.
"I feel I want to fight at this size just to watch it back lol. But I’d love to fight the Brazilian, 100 per cent! I love Brazil and I’m unbeaten against Brazil. All KO’s. I’ve some thinking to do."
Who should Conor McGregor fight on his return? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below
Oliveira was stripped of his belt after missing weight for the main event against Gaethje but is now in pole position to fight for the vacant title against a leading contender. Meanwhile, further down the card Chandler knocked out Tony Ferguson before reiterating a firm fight call-out.
McGregor congratulated Chandler on his victory and revealed his plans to accept a fight in the future. "I’d have a nice knock off this guy, no doubt about it," he said. "A firework spectacle. I like the 170 shout also. Tipped him over. I’m definitely game to fight this guy at some stage in my career. I see it happening after tonight. Congrats on a solid win Michael and another barnstormer."
For now it appears unlikely McGregor will fight before August after UFC cards were leaked which unveiled the schedule until the end of July. But he has now made a return to sparring as promised this spring, with his sparring partner Cian Cowley recalling his first session back.
"He was in with me, we just had a few rounds," Cowley said of the spar. "Conor's always training like that. People go on like 'he's back', he never left and he's always training."
