With no need to cut down to 155 pounds for UFC 246, McGregor is piling on the muscle.

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It’s crazy to think that the next couple of weekends are going to be UFC-free, and even crazier knowing things kick right back into high gear on Jan. 18, 2020, with the return of Conor McGregor against Donald Cerrone at UFC 246. It just doesn’t feel real yet: the typical circus surrounding a McGregor fight hasn’t materialized, possibly because of the holidays, or possibly because UFC and McGregor have agreed he should concentrate on winning this “crucial” fight over doing a couple of extra press junkets.

Whatever the reason, the end result is a McGregor who is more focused than ever and dedicated to regaining his crown. Those who follow him on social media know it’s a 50/50 split of Proper Twelve whiskey promotion and gym photos. That hard work in the gym is clearly paying off in a new photo McGregor shared today.

The only pounds “Notorious” is putting on over the holidays are pure muscle, it seems:

McGregor vs. Cerrone is being contested at 170 pounds rather than 155, which is the “real” weight class both men sit at. Much has been made of McGregor’s decision to demand the fight at welterweight. He’s made it known that weight cutting is his least favorite element of fighting, so maybe it’s just that. Or maybe he doesn’t want to interrupt his bulk with any cuts as he adds slabs of muscles to his frame in anticipation of a Khabib Nurmagomedov rematch later in 2020?

That seems most likely to us.

McGregor was a big 145-pound fighter when he took that belt, but was by no means a big Lightweight when he took the belt off Eddie Alvarez. He always says precision beats power, but it’s hard to be precise in meaningful ways when a bigger Dagestani sambo champion can power-wrestle you to the ground with ease. So building up strength isn’t McGregor’s worst idea.

The worst would be fighting any real 170 pounders ... like Jorge Masvidal, or current champ Kamaru Usman — something McGregor continues to tease. But hey, win or lose, it would be entertaining to see him try. Considering he was willing to face Floyd Mayweather in a boxing ring, there’s obviously no limits to what Conor McGregor believes he can accomplish.