Conor McGregor warns UFC rivals ‘the countdown is on’ as Irishman steps up training

Conor McGregor is ramping up his training ahead of his long-awaited return to action after the horror leg break last year. 

The Irishman has shared a number of photos of himself training in the Crumlin Boxing Club, where he honed his skills as a youngster. 

McGregor has bulked up during his time away and looks in solid shape having talked up a return at welterweight when passed fit. 

Conor McGregor looks in fine shape as he works his way back to full fitness 

The Irishman posted this image and wrote that the countdown to his comeback is on

McGregor posted a photo of a right hook on the heavy bag, adding the caption: ‘Right hook tastiness, catch you soon the countdown is on.’

The former two-weight champion suffered back-to-back defeats by Dustin Poirier last year, although the second fight ended unsatisfactorily when he broke his leg and was forced out of the contest. 

He remains a huge pay-per-view star, still hungry to fight the very best but the UFC may want to manage his return. 

Michael Chandler, also coming off two defeats, has thrown his hat in the ring and regularly talked up a potential match-up between them over the last year. 

McGregor was seen hitting the pads in the Crumlin Boxing Club on Tuesday 

And McGregor himself wants to cruise back in for a title shot at either lightweight or welterweight.

But it is unlikely that Dana White and Co will allow the Dubliner to jump the queue and may prefer to offer more winnable match-ups. 

A Nate Diaz trilogy battle is on the cards, even though the Stockton fighter distanced himself from such a bout on Tuesday, writing: ‘I been trying to fight everybody and no go what’s the hold up UFC? 

‘I’m not fighting Conor he sucks. I’ll fight some one quit slow rolling me please Thanks.’  

The Dubliner has bulked up and could make a return at welterweight this year

White is cautious over rushing McGregor back and recently told the Sun: ‘I literally have nothing for him (Conor McGregor) right now, he’s not ready. 

‘The whole landscape could change over the summer. We’ll see when he’s ready to fight. 

‘And when the doctor gives him 100 percent clearance, we’ll start looking at possible opponents.’