Conor McGregor releases sparring footage ahead of Michael Chandler fight and fans are all saying the same thing

Conor McGregor has released footage of him in sparring but UFC fans are all in agreement with their assessment of where he's at it.

The history-making former two-weight champion will make his return inside the Octagon against Michael Chandler in his first bout since breaking his leg in the trilogy encounter with Dustin Poirier.

The pair are both coaches on the new season of the Ultimate Fighter and will lock horns at the end of the show, which premieres in May and is expected to wrap up in August.

Since his leg shattered, McGregor has piled on the muscle and wants the fight to take place at welterweight.

The Irishman's physique has changed dramatically in recent times - leading to some believing that such a look would not be possible without the use of steroids - something McGregor has strenuously denied.

And plenty believe the fresh footage proves that is too big and his added muscle will have a negative impact on his performances.

McGregor shared footage of him mixing it up with fighters on his Ultimate Fighter team at the UFC Apex facility in Las Vegas, with the caption: "I love fighting so dearly.

"I had a great experience coaching and training with a solid crew of young athletes on @espn’s @ultimatefighter!

"Alongside my long-time, all-time, all-star team! Airing May 20th everywhere. @ufc."

The 34-year-old wore red shorts and a protective headgear while trading shots with fellow fighters.

But while his striking has never been in question, plenty of fans think he looked slow and sluggish because of the extra mass.

One commented: "You have slowed a bit. Your speed looks compromised."

Another said: "You've lost some pop."

A third asked: "Why do you still look so stiff though?"

A fourth concurred: "Sorry mate you're too stiff now. All that buffness."

A final user weighed in: "Too slow, the weight he is carrying, maybe when drops a few pounds he might be quicker".

The clash with Chandler isn't happening imminently as USADA have said McGregor must be in their testing pool for six months before he can fight.

McGregor fumed and accused the agency of making it seem as though he is "lying", though upcoming opponent Chandler leapt to his defence.

"Not to mention the fact that dude doesn’t want to fight at featherweight or lightweight anymore," he said in a recent Instagram Q&A.

"He wants to go up to welterweight so he’s gotten bigger.

"But yes, he passed the test because I would never accuse somebody unless I saw them stick a needle in their body or take a pill."