Conor McGregor has admitted his kicking isn't at the "absolute level" needed to make a UFC comeback yet.
McGregor broke his leg in a devastating defeat by Dustin Poirier last July but recently made a return to full MMA training. Reports previously indicated that his comeback would be delayed until next year, despite working on full facets of training with coach John Kavanagh in Dublin last month.
The Irishman recently posted a series of images from training in Mallorca, where he is based while holidaying in several destinations around Europe. However, the Instagram post delivered a worrying comeback message, 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 offered fresh hope to fans that he would be returning soon as he begun kicking with his previously-injured leg, with footage showing his powerful shots in training. However, his latest update casts further doubt over his immediate future, and it appears unlikely he will take to the Octagon until next year.
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The 34-year-old was hoping for a return as soon as possible as he looks to turn around a worrying vein of form. McGregor has won just one fight in his last four outings - against Donald Cerrone back in 2020, which took place at 170lb.
He will likely look to return at welterweight given his impressive and much larger frame which happened as a result of his focus on weight training while he was unable to use his legs. His coach, Kavanagh, has given 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."
