Conor McGregor, the renowned UFC legend, has finally put an end to his fans’ long wait by accepting the UFC’s proposal to serve as a coach on TUF 31.
However, fight fans would have been even more enthralled if McGregor made his return directly with a bout. But, even watching him coach young UFC prospects wasn’t a bad deal, since it had McGregor returning to UFC affairs. Also, at the end of the TUF season, a bout between the coaches had reportedly been scheduled. It simply meant that after appearing as a coach, McGregor would also make his return to the Octagon soon to face his TUF coaching rival Michael Chandler.
However, of late, there had also been talks that McGregor was eyeing to fight as a Middleweight upon his return to the UFC. McGregor’s post-TUF fight against Michael Chandler is rumored to take place in the lightweight division only. But, this might leave a lot of his fans wondering why did 5’9″ tall McGregor go up and build a visibly bulkier body like a Middleweight? Also, will the fans get to see a Middleweight McGregor ever in the Octagon?
Conor McGregor’s weight class
‘Mystic Mac’ has competed across three weight classes in his UFC career to date. The Irishman started off his UFC career as a Featherweight and later also fought under the Lightweight and Welterweight divisions. However, his first UFC loss came when he decided to move up to Welterweight and answer the callout of the ‘Stockton Gangster’, Nate Diaz. But, most UFC fans are aware of McGregor’s stupendous run in the other two divisions.
He became the promotion’s first-ever two-weight division champion, holding the Featherweight and Lightweight titles simultaneously. But after his Lightweight title victory, the division turned out to be a nightmare for McGregor since he picked up three consecutive pay-per-view defeats in his Lightweight bouts. McGregor boasts his best pay-per-view record at Featherweight, winning both of his bouts.
Conor McGregor Says He Plans to Fight as a UFC Middleweight at Some Point 100%
McGregor’s UFC career to date bears testimony to the fact that he doesn’t want to stay limited within a single weight division. ‘The Notorious’ has already tried his skills in three divisions of the UFC. He had also been vocal about trying himself out in the Middleweight division previously. In a now-deleted December 2022 tweet, McGregor iterated his plan, penning, “I’m gonna give Middleweight a go at some point 100%”.
Also in one of his Instagram live sessions, McGregor looked super jacked and was asked about his current weight by one of his fans. While another fan replied, “264lbs”. McGregor seemed quite amused by the reply and stated, “Let’s hear it about 265 yeah. In the bank, Super heavy in the bank”. It probably intends McGregor doesn’t have issues going up in weight.
Also, in 2021, McGregor’s long-time coach, John Kavanagh had appeared on the YouTube channel, ‘Submission Radio’ and stated, “He is doing a lot of strength training at the moment, the guy’s jacked. I think he’s coming back as a middleweight”.
Kavanagh’s prediction of McGregor returning as a Middleweight might be proved wrong. But, looking at McGregor’s instincts, the future possibility of him fighting as a Middleweight in the UFC can’t be ruled out.
Why did Conor McGregor swell up to Middleweight?
McGregor has never really spoken about the purpose of his weight gain. However, we have a few instances to look at, which might be one or the entire reason behind it. As known by many, ‘the Dublin native’ suffered a gruesome injury in his last bout against Dustin ‘The Diamond’ Poirier, which had him sidelined from any in-octagon action for an unprecedented time period.
He had his tibia repaired through surgery that required a titanium rod to be inserted into it. Some had speculated that McGregor had used some medications to smoothen his return to his usual training routine. It’s pertinent to note that McGregor was bashed following his jacked-up weight gain. A lot of fans were of the opinion that he was high on steroids.
However, a lot of fans might have received the answer to what was the actual reason behind McGregor’s jack-up like a Middleweight. Recently, an Instagram post from ‘The Notorious’ showcased him and the Hollywood star, Jake Gyllenhaal, enjoying the UFC 285 together. McGregor playing a part in Gyllenhaal’s upcoming movie ‘The Road House’ was a known fact to many UFC fans now.
‘Mystic Mac’s Instagram post also received a comment from the official Instagram handle of ‘The Road House’ movie. They also commented, “Y’all ready to see Jake take on Conor. ROAD HOUSE”. This comment from ‘The Road House’s’ Instagram might have clarified the issue. There must be a movie scene that required showcasing McGregor with a bulkier body than usual. Which ended up with him gaining all the required weight and looking like a Middleweight.
What is the heaviest Conor McGregor has fought?
The UFC rule is known by most of its fans. Fighters are required to go through weigh-ins about two days prior to their bout. It is compulsory for the fighters to keep their weights within the required weight limit of the class. But, in the next two days, fighters look to regain most of their lost body weight. This provides them with an advantage in the bout. Hence, it becomes literally impossible to document the weight with which a fighter walks into the octagon on fight night.
However, the highest weight class McGregor has fought in is Welterweight, which has a limit of 170 lbs. Hence, it may be said that 170 lbs. is the heaviest weight at which McGregor has fought.
All you need to know about Conor McGregor’s next fight
Most UFC fans are aware of the fact that ‘The Notorious’ is currently busy regarding the shoot of TUF 31. Team McGregor will take on the team of the noted UFC Lightweight, Michael Chandler, to elect the winner of the season.
The season of TUF will end with a bout between the coaches. The possible matchup has already started creating numerous gossip in the MMA community.
However, there has been no official revelation regarding the schedule or the weight class of this possible future enthraller. How excited are you after hearing the news of possible McGregor-Chandler showstopper?
