McGregor has been rehabbing from a broken leg he sustained in a defeat to Dustin Poirier last July. However, any hopes for a quick return seem to have been derailed.
Conor McGregor has acknowledged that his kicking isn’t quite at the “absolute level” required to return to the UFC at this time.
Despite working on all aspects of his recovery with coach John Kavanagh in Dublin last month, reports earlier said that his return would not happen until the following year.
The Irishman recently shared a collection of photos from his training sessions in Mallorca. This is where he now resides while traveling across Europe.
He posted with the caption: “If you can’t hold your leg out straight at high kick level and maintain your balance and control here, you can’t kick to the absolute level that you can kick at.”
“I cannot yet kick to the absolute level I can kick it. But I’m aware of where I need to go. Awareness is half the battle won in combat. I have the awareness that still despite all I am levels above all of those in my radar space of future fighting opponents.”
“By a wide margin. Already, as is. And also that I’ve a steel bar in one of them. And it’s like a whip. And I don’t give a f**k.
“Let me tell you something: The first person I’m back fighting here is getting kicked around that cage. You are all garbage. You may have a little yup the yard kick in your arsenal but it’s not at the speed, the power, the length and the control that it could be!”
McGregor gave supporters new hope that he would be back soon as he started kicking with his previously hurt leg, and the video showed his powerful punches while training. However, his recent update puts greater uncertainty over his near future, as it is doubtful he will go to the Octagon until next year.
The 34-year-old was hoping for a comeback as soon as possible. In his previous four, McGregor has only won one. He won against Donald Cerrone in 2020 at 170 pounds.
Given his remarkable and much bigger frame, he would be tempted to try and make a comeback at welterweight.
His coach, Kavanagh, has offered an update on McGregor’s return to training, telling the BBC: “He’s healthy, happy and it’s great to have him back.
“The last few sessions in the gym here were MMA-orientated – he’s got the all-clear for that now. He did a great session last night, we got some great rounds in. He hasn’t lost a beat and was looking great.”