Fans debate impact of Conor McGregor's recent weight gain on his UFC career

Fans on social media were in splits after Conor McGregor posted a photo of himself being extremely jacked.

McGregor showed off his incredible physique in a post that displayed his body transformation throughout the years. The Irishman, who started his UFC career as a lean featherweight, now looks like he's on the heavier side of the welterweight division.

Check out Conor McGregor's post below:

Conor McGregor

@TheNotoriousMMA

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https://t.co/LFmyHeUb1T

However, history tells us that bigger isn't always better when it comes to professional fighting. With that in mind, UFC fans on Twitter couldn't agree on whether the transformation will be good or bad for McGregor's fighting career.

Some believe that the transformation will do wonders for McGregor's explosiveness. This group of fans thinks that the added weight will only make 'The Notorious' an even more explosive striker.

sKraat

@skraat7

@TheNotoriousMMA 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 alot out of you vs your natural closest weight. He can afford to fight at a comfy weight, if it presents itself.

@TheNotoriousMMA 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 alot out of you vs your natural closest weight. He can afford to fight at a comfy weight, if it presents itself.

★ ABEL ★

@profeshgamblr

@TheNotoriousMMA You would KO Leon in 1 round

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@TheNotoriousMMA You would KO Leon in 1 round

Angry Mac 🇮🇪

@AngryyMac

@TheNotoriousMMA Can't wait to see you back champ. 170 Mac

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@TheNotoriousMMA Can't wait to see you back champ. 170 Mac 🇮🇪 https://t.co/CCtX1e5dIN

Benji’s Diary

@Benjisdiary2

@TheNotoriousMMA We’ve seen you at 170, but that’s not 170. Adesanya & Pereira already shaking seeing The Mac closing in on them.

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@TheNotoriousMMA We’ve seen you at 170, but that’s not 170. Adesanya & Pereira already shaking seeing The Mac closing in on them.

However, some pointed out that McGregor's added weight could be detrimental to his cardio. Considering that his gas tank has always been perceived as one of his weaknesses, many believe that McGregor's new body type isn't necessarily the best for combat.

Wizard of FBA 👑

@WizardofFBA

@skraat7 @TheNotoriousMMA Problem is Conor’s cardio has never been great, now at a higher weight it’s likely to be even worse

@skraat7 @TheNotoriousMMA Problem is Conor’s cardio has never been great, now at a higher weight it’s likely to be even worse

AD X Tatum SZN

@16_brady2

@TheNotoriousMMA I mean if that left hand connects you ain’t waking up but if it misses that’s your entire cardio done tbf

@TheNotoriousMMA I mean if that left hand connects you ain’t waking up but if it misses that’s your entire cardio done tbf https://t.co/NSnCdBptv5

The MMA Dude

@xRumourz

@TheNotoriousMMA Are you worried about loosing your speed and footwork?

@TheNotoriousMMA Are you worried about loosing your speed and footwork?

Rolo1995

@RVal1995

@TheNotoriousMMA You might have maybe 2 rounds before getting gassed with that much gains so quickly

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@TheNotoriousMMA You might have maybe 2 rounds before getting gassed with that much gains so quickly

There were also those who couldn't help but point out that McGregor might be taking some banned substances. McGregor's transformation, which coincided with his departure from the USADA testing pool, raised suspicion among some fans.

Mr. Fahrenheit

@SSJBDOT

@Tsunehme @TheNotoriousMMA Conor is extremely lean in this pic, in great lighting, not to mention he’s 5’8. It’s impossible to tell but steroids are not at all out of the question. He looks incredible but there are a lot of factors that contribute to a good photo

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@Tsunehme @TheNotoriousMMA Conor is extremely lean in this pic, in great lighting, not to mention he’s 5’8. It’s impossible to tell but steroids are not at all out of the question. He looks incredible but there are a lot of factors that contribute to a good photo

livid

@lividcuh

@KennyBalii @TheNotoriousMMA roids

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@KennyBalii @TheNotoriousMMA roids

MD Someone

@md_something_

@TheNotoriousMMA Pulls out of USADA. Gains 50lbs of muscle instantly. Nothing to see here, move along.

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@TheNotoriousMMA Pulls out of USADA. Gains 50lbs of muscle instantly. Nothing to see here, move along.

neither

@ryanh71879

@TheNotoriousMMA Dude that looks like an entirely different person? Steroids much?

@TheNotoriousMMA Dude that looks like an entirely different person? Steroids much?

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Conor McGregor says he has "all the tools" to beat Islam Makhachev

It's no secret that Conor McGregor loves inserting himself into the conversation whenever a high-profile UFC bout takes place.

Things weren't different when Islam Makhachev defeated Charles Oliveira at UFC 280 to become the new lightweight champ. In a pair of deleted tweets, 'The Notorious' commented on the title fight, saying:

"Nice fight. nice performance. I have built all the tools to beat this style now versus before. Experience vs. s***. Face breaking shots from clinch and baby brain batter shots from bottom. And the rest of my repertoire yous know. Steel left leg. Cannon back hand. Wrist control."

McGregor also referenced his own fight with Khabib Nurmagomedov back in 2018. He added:

"The thought of shutting down this system of fighting with my own developed system is quite intriguing to me. Whoever of them against. It’s not personal. It’s a skill evaluation and a fight. Even through generations. The [IMMAF’s], amateurs. A war of attrition. To the box."

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