Conor McGregor's coach John Kavanagh has shown off his marked-up face after sharing a grappling session with the UFC star.
McGregor is eyeing a return to the UFC for the first time since breaking his leg in a second consecutive defeat to Dustin Poirier last year. Although his comeback is expected to be delayed, McGregor has now made a return to his SBG gym in Ireland alongside long-term coach Kavanagh.
The Irish star posted images of his return to MMA training on social media, with his coach also sharing shots of the pair rolling around the floor when sharing grappling rounds. Kavanagh revealed it was the first time the pair have grappled since preparing for his previous loss to Poirier.
"I don't know if you can see the few nicks and marks I got," Kavanagh said during an episode of BLOCKPARTY while showing several red markings on his forehead. “He just kind of showed up by surprise. And of course, he grabbed me by the neck. And I was subjected to a couple of rounds by this 2,000-pound gorilla. And I came home, and I walked in the door, and Orlagh [Kavanagh's wife] went, ‘What the f*** happened to you? What’s wrong with your head?’
"And I said, ‘Oh, Conor showed up.’ And she just sort of rolled her shoulders and went, ‘Yeah, that makes sense.' But yeah, we had a great roll around. And I think that’s literally my first time grappling with him since the lead up to the last fight. So, it’s been a while. He’s back healthy now. He’s back, able to do all the facets of MMA training.”
McGregor's return hands the UFC star another timely boost in his bid to make a return to action, having now returned to MMA training after a lengthy wait. The Irishman looks in sensational shape having ballooned to around 190lb following his return to weight training following the leg break.
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He initially made a comeback with boxing work in training showing off his hand speed in several rounds with the gloves on. He later posted footage kicking with his previously broken leg for the first time since last year, which heightened anticipation for a UFC comeback.
Now he has his eye on a return in the early stages of next year with a switch likely to be made back to 170lbs. McGregor's last victory came at welterweight against Donald Cerrone back in 2020, and he could begin his quest to become three-time champion when he is able to compete again.
McGregor has called for an immediate title challenge against current champion Kamaru Usman but has also been called out by the likes of Jorge Masvidal and Michael Chandler. There are several lucrative options also still available at 155lb with former champion Charles Oliveira open to facing McGregor for the vacant title if he selects to make a weight cut.
