Former dual-weight champion Conor McGregor has joked that he is bigger than almost all UFC heavyweights after seriously bulking up.
‘Notorious’ hasn’t fought since fracturing his tibia and fibula at UFC 264 in July 2021 but has been training hard ahead of his return to action in 2023.
The former featherweight and lightweight titleholder is currently bulking up ahead of a run at the welterweight division which he hopes will result in a historic third UFC belt.
McGregor has previously claimed to weigh 190lbs but during a recent Instagram live session, he told former UFC middleweight contender, Yoel Romero, that he is much bigger than that and is now approaching the heavyweight limit.
He said: “Yoel Romero: How much am I weighing right now?”
“I don’t know. Dee, hold onto this for me,” the 34-year-old added before handing his phone over to his long-term partner, Dee Devlin, who videoed him flexing.
When he was done laughing, McGregor concluded: "I don't know, mate. But big! Big anyway. I'd say I’m about 265lb, yeah! In the bank, I’m heavy in the bank I am.”
Of course, the Irishman was joking about being 18.9 stone – the same weight Francis Ngannou cuts down to for UFC heavyweight title fights against the likes of Stipe Miocic and Ciryl Gane.
Whatever he weighs, McGregor is certainly proud of his new physique which has come in handy while shooting his movie debut in the Dominican Republic.
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‘Mystic Mac’ is set to star alongside Jake Gyllenhaal a remake of the 1980s classic Road House and has been filming scenes with the Hollywood star since September.
Once McGregor’s movie wraps, he’ll return to camp and begin preparing for his eagerly anticipated comeback which many hoped would take place in the first quarter of 2023 but could now be delayed.
It was recently revealed that the UFC icon hasn’t been subjected to a single drug test from United States Anti-Doping [USADA] in 2022 – in contrast to UFC light-heavyweight champion Jiri Prochazka who has submitted 51 samples.
As a result, McGregor will have to be subjected to six months of USADA tests before he is allowed to return to the Octagon which means the earliest he can fight again is late April.
However, fans could wait even longer if McGregor opts to hang fire before re-enrolling in the UFC’s drug testing program.
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