Inside Conor McGregor's extensive training regime and calorie-filled diet to get him in top shape fo

CONOR MCGREGOR returns to the UFC this weekend - and he looks better than ever.

The former two-division champion will return to the octagon on Saturday night in the main event of UFC 257 in Abu Dhabi, where he'll lock horns with his old featherweight rival Dustin Poirier.

McGregor's clash with the American, who he sparked six years ago at UFC 178, will be his first outing since his 40-second demolition of Donald Cerrone last January.

The Irishman had hoped for a quick turnaround after decimating Cowboy, setting his sights on two more fights and staying active in the gym.

And his near year-long training camp has resulted in him adding a considerable amount of muscle mass to his frame.

But how has he transformed his once-nimble physique?

And, more importantly, how has he been training ahead of his long-awaited return to the cage?

SunSport has all the details on The Notorious' extensive training over the last year and the build-up to the UFC's first pay-per-view card of the year.

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How has Conor McGregor bulked up?

Despite not being able to land a second fight last year, McGregor stayed hard at work in the gym.

And the decision to do so has clearly paid dividends.

He's now rocking a considerably more musclebound frame, which is clearly the result of him sticking to a rigorous strength training programme.

He has, however, managed to stay lean by continuing his McGregor Fast programme to maintain his cardiovascular endurance.

How has he been training in the build-up to this fight?

SunSport understands McGregor has been training twice a day in preparation for his second meeting with The Diamond.

As ever, the focus of this camp has been on improving cardiovascular endurance and working on the game plan to end Poirier's night in devastating fashion.

Heavy lifting has been put on the back-burner in favour of more high-intensity weight training.

What has he been eating?

McGregor managed to stay lean during his bulking phase by sticking to a healthy and balanced diet, which, of course, he's observed in the build-up to his second clash with Poirier.

The Dubliner's nutritionist, Tristin Kennedy, recently told ESPN, saying: "His diet consists of lean sources of protein: chicken, fish, salmon, beef, eggs.

"Good complex carbohydrates. Good microelements -- your herbs, basil, oregano.

"All these things are incorporated into the diet as a whole.

"We have a great balanced diet. From multiple protein sources, multiple carbohydrate sources of wholesome foods. And that's the key."

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Will he make weight on Friday?

Although fans would be right in thinking McGregor's thicker physique could cause some weight cutting issues, they need not worry.

SunSport understands he's on track to hit the 156lb limit for non-title lightweight fights.

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Additionally, McGregor has never missed weight in his career.

So those fearing he may come in heavy on Friday morning should rest easy.

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