Conor McGregor’s bulk up continues to capture the imagination of fight fans.

As usual, much has been written about Notorious over the past year, much of it centred around his anticipated return to the Octagon and his increase in muscle mass.

It is clear that the Irishman has targeted an increase in bulk after his rehab programme following a serious leg-break in his defeat to Dustin Poirier, and many believe that his return to competition will be in the welterweight division, with former Bellator lightweight champion Michael Chandler, who may also be moving to welterweight, being spoken of as a potential opponent.

The latest pictures of McGregor show.

Conor McGregor's physique change

Notorious has, as ever, been extremely active on all his social media platforms and his followers were introduced to a new branch of his pub Black Forge Inn in Dubai.

McGregor uploaded pictures and a video where he received a unique gift, a customised gold chain with a pendant made from diamonds with “Proper Twelve” written on it.

There are pictures of him wearing the chain, including a couple of ones where he is shirtless, showing off his new, bulked up look.

One in particular shows him from the back, highlighting the massive development of his trapezius, deltoids and latissimus dorsi.

Image: Conor McGregor's back muscles

Conor McGregor's back is absolutely massive right now

Conor McGregor's back is absolutely massive right now

Fans were quick to react, one commenting: “Your back has biceps,” which may lack in anatomical accuracy, however, definitely makes the point.

Another observed “those muscles have muscles,” while another described the former UFC featherweight and lightweight champion’s bulk up as “crazy.”

One comment referred to McGregor posing topless in the bar, jokingly saying: “Only McGregor can be shirtless at the pub and not get kicked out."

Meanwhile, The Mirror have reported that McGregor has vowed to prove that he is still hungry for success, and that the idea that his work ethic is now lacking after his huge successes are no more than a myth.

Conor McGregor responds to criticism

After making hundreds of millions through being a two-weight world champion, and after a huge payday for a boxing match with Floyd Mayweather in 2017, fans have theorised he is struggling to motivate himself to train hard.

Backing this theory is McGregor's poor record since the Mayweather bout, however, he has suffered greatly with injuries in this time.

Responding to a fan's message of support on social media last week, Notorious confirmed that he is working incredibly hard towards his return.

"The premise of 'I don’t work as hard as I used to since succeeding financially' will be debunked fully. You are going to witness insanity in scientific form."

Conor McGregor's back is absolutely massive right now

Conor McGregor looking jacked

McGregor is currently awaiting a February date when he believes he will be clear to re-enter the USADA drug testing pool, at which point he can begin working towards booking a fight.

There is debate over how long he will have to be tested before making his return, with the standard procedure being that he must take six months before getting back.

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