SBG Ireland head coach John Kavanagh has described Conor McGregor as a ‘140st gorilla’ as the Mixed Martial Artist returns to an intense, gruelling training regime.McGregor has offered fans a glimpse of his progress after recovering from a horrific broken leg – suffered last year in a bout against perennial rival Dustin Poirier - exhibiting his muscular and vigorous physique. The former two-division champion has received criticism for issues with endurance in the past, but Kavanagh seemingly considers his esteemed student to be in the shape of his career.Speaking to BlockAsset, Kavanagh said: “I don’t know if you can see the few nicks and marks I got. “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 2,000lb gorilla.”McGregor hasn’t been in action since breaking his leg in his trilogy fight against Poirier, and there has been building anticipation across recent months regarding The Notorious’ return to action.

Despite tantalising fans with murmurings of a return to the boxing ring, it appears that UFC is the location for the 34-year-old, with the vacant lightweight throne beckoning McGregor’s resurgence.

McGregor fought boxing legend Floyd Mayweather in a seismic cross-sport bout in 2017, suffering a 10th round TKO after a gallant display.

UFC President Dana White gave his thoughts on McGregor’s return, with the cage the likely destination for his return. “It’ll be in the cage. Conor is looking to come back at the end of this year, early next year.

“When I do talk to Conor, Conor wants to fight. Conor gets all kinds of offers for movie roles and all these other things he can go and do to make money. He doesn’t want to do any of that. Conor wants to fight.”

Conor McGregor

Conor McGregor UFC return: Coach compares him to 143 stone gorilla after bulking up

Charles Oliveira failed to make weight before his lightweight title fight against Justin Gaethje in May and was consequently forced to vacate the belt despite finishing his opponent in the first round.

With Oliveira likely to get a shot to reclaim his position, McGregor might just be the challenger pitted against the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu sensation.

Kavanagh was fruitful about McGregor’s progress as he seeks to return to full fitness, saying: “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.

"And I came home, and I walked in the door, and Orlagh 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."