Conor McGregor sudden transformation has people stunned
UFC fans have been left astonished by Conor McGregor's remarkable transformation. The former two-weight UFC champion hasn't stepped into the cage since suffering defeat to long-standing adversary Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in 2021. He was scheduled to stage a return last year against ex-Bellator titleholder Michael Chandler - but was compelled to withdraw from the contest after sustaining a training injury. Since that setback, the Irishman has been concentrating on his role as co-proprietor of BKFC. Nevertheless, over recent months, the 37-year-old appears to have rediscovered his appetite for competition and has teased a possible return to the Octagon next year. Recently, the 'Notorious' declared his UFC comeback is confirmed. However, those remarks were swiftly refuted by UFC boss Dana White . With McGregor looking to participate in the White House event - slated for next June - the Irishman is entirely devoted to his preparation and has confessed he has been 'healed' by God. During a press conference for BKFC 82 in Rome, McGregor made a proclamation regarding his personal life, reports the Mirror . On Thursday evening, he confessed: "I am not here just by chance. There is a higher power, God, that dictates my journey and all of our journeys. I live my life by God's word, since around the last time you mentioned at the last event, I have engaged on a spiritual journey. I am saved. I am healed. "On the back of that, the world is in for a treat. My competitive spark that was once in my heart is now a roaring blaze. I'm eager. Right now I have to dial myself in and go inward, and that I've done, and now I'm in a stage where I come back and show what I'm about. Now I'm here with my own family, my beautiful children, my fiancee, wife-to-be soon." Despite his passionate remarks, supporters were left stunned by the current state of the Irishman - with many noting that he appears to be in good health. McGregor's statements spread like wildfire across social media, with fans rushing to the comments to share their thoughts. One quipped: "Jesus saved Conor before we got GTA6." Another penned: "Is it just me or does he actually look normal?" A third responded: "He looks a lot better." Another observed: "Everyone can say whatever negative comments they choose but Connor McGregor looks like he is on the right path now. He had his family with him and the camera didn't see him smiling at his kids, pulling faces and making them laugh. I looked into his eyes and he was sober! He is clearly sorting himself out so say what you want but the @thenotoriousmma is finding a way back! ! !". Another user remarked: "Actually looks and sounds like himself. Hopefully he can continue," whilst another added: "He looks good." The encouraging response didn't stop there, though, as another supporter replied: "Dude he actually looks way better, very happy for him," whilst another noted: "He looks a lot more at peace." McGregor has been given the go-ahead to compete on the White House card next year, despite receiving a drugs ban earlier this month. The 37-year-old was not available for testing on three occasions in 2024 - June 13 (a day before he withdrew from his fight with Michael Chandler), September 19, and September 20. He initially faced a two-year ban - that would have seen him miss next summer's UFC event - but he has instead been suspended until March 20. Tom Aspinall is set to face Ciryl Gane on October 25 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Their bout will be the main event of the UFC 321 pay-per-view card. Alexander Volkov and Jailton Almeida will also take part in the event - seemingly vying for the number one heavyweight contender spot. A light-heavyweight match between Aleksandar Rakic and Azamat Murzakanov has also been announced, while Mitch Raposo will square off against Azat Maksum. The co-main event features Virna Jandiroba and Mackenzie Dern battling it out for the vacant women's strawweight title. The broadcast of the preliminary card will be accessible for TNT Sports subscribers to watch on TNT Sports 4 and on TNT Sports Box Office for anyone to watch in the UK and Ireland from 5pm (12pm ET / 9am PT / 11am CT). The main card is set to kick off at 7pm UK time (2pm ET / 11am PT / 1pm CT). In the headline bout, Gane is expected to make his entrance first around 9:30pm UK time (4:30pm ET / 1:30pm PT / 3:30pm), with Aspinall following straight after. The timings of all bouts are subject to change and will hinge on the duration of the undercard. Fans in the UK and Ireland can exclusively catch the main card live on TNT Sports Box Office for a fee of £19.99.