Conor McGregor bulk: Find out why the Irishman's transformed physique has led to talks about steroid usage?

Conor McGregor has visibly bulked up since his last octagon outing in July 2021. The Dubliner has since been nursing a broken leg and cruising around Europe in his Lamborghini superyacht until recently.

'Notorious' is now set to feature as a rival coach opposite Michael Chandler on the the latest season of The Ultimate Fighter. McGregor and Chandler are expected to subsequently clash in a matchup which is likely to take place at 170 lbs.

While gaining a few extra pounds for a welterweight matchup might sound obvious, McGregor looks nothing short of a middleweight right now. But even this could be justified to an extent considering the Dubliner's latest venture outside the octagon.

'Notorious' has been filming for his Hollywood debut in the remake of the 80's classic 'Road House' starring Jake Gyllenhaal. McGregor might have needed to gain some muscle in order to look more jacked up for some scenes.

But fans started associating Conor McGregor's bulk with steriod or PED use due to the Irishman's evasive attitude towards USADA testing.

Conor McGregor bulk: How USADA controversy led to PED allegations

PED allegations surrounding Conor McGregor surfaced for the first time in September 2022, when fans learned that the Irishman had not been tested since the third quarter of 2021. The allegations were soon linked to the recent bulk in the former UFC double champ's physique, which he flaunted regularly on social media.

McGregor fans were even more dejected when it was revealed that the Dubliner hadn't entered the USADA testing pool even as late as last month. This means that the Irishman won't be able to compete until at least the fall of 2023 as USADA needs a returning athlete to be under the testing pool for a minimum of 6 months.

McGregor seemingly plans to bypass the six-month duration using a special exemption, where the UFC will have to show that the return window presents a financial or competitive hardship to 'Notorious'. The Irishman said on The MMA Hour:

"But the six months thing, what they had said was two clean tests and off I go, so I assume it won’t be too long.”

Catch McGregor's appearance on The MMA Hour below:

USADA officials recently told TSN's Aaron Bronsteter that they insist on Conor McGregor undergoing a six-month testing period before he can compete in the UFC.