Photos of Conor McGregor ahead of his return to the UFC Octagon have emerged, and it's safe to say some fans are worried for him.McGregor will return against Donald ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone on January 18 in his first MMA bout since he was choked out by Khabib Nurmagomedov in October 2018.The fight will also mark McGregor’s return to welterweight since his double bill against Nate Diaz in 2016.The return to welterweight has marked a change in McGregor’s physique as he is now more beefed up than ever in posts that he revealed on social media.The Notorious has embarked on a new strength and conditioning programme which he hopes will lend himself more power.

McGregor’s only victory at welterweight went the distance. At UFC 202 against Nate Diaz back in August 2016, McGregor won via a majority decision.

However, there are concerns that the step up to welterweight will not be beneficial for the Irishman.

There is a chance that, with his increased muscle mass, he will sacrifice some stamina should the fight go deep. Cardio is also a worry for McGregor’s supporters, some of which took to social media to voice their worries.

Strength has never been a problem for McGregor and his heavy strikes guided him to the UFC championships at featherweight and lightweight level.

Perhaps McGregor’s biggest weakness is his cardio, something that he has been accused of having problems with in the past. He was severely fatigued in both his welterweight contests with Diaz as well as his money-spinning boxing fight with Floyd Mayweather.

UFC chief Dana White has stated that McGregor will be next in line for a rematch with Khabib for his UFC lightweight championship.

However, the step up in weight division also broadens McGregor’s horizons and he could well face a bout with Jorge Masvidal. Masvidal, of course, conquered Nate Diaz back at UFC 244 in November to win the ‘Baddest Mother ****er’ belt.

McGregor’s striking coach Owen Roddy has claimed that the 31-year-old is aiming for both of the aforementioned fights once he has defeated Cerrone.