Conor McGregor has deleted a post that left fans confused after he shared a video about his comeback while using a filter making himself into an ape.
The Notorious has not fought in the UFC since breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier in July 2021, but is currently undertaking a rehabilitation programme ahead of a potential comeback in 2023.
McGregor has been regularly updating his fans on social media during every step of his recovery, but has often worried supporters with his behaviour including posting several rambling messages and attacking fellow UFC stars online, reports The Mirror.
The Dubliner often uses a series of gestures meant to have comedy value, which fits with his brash-talking antics which saw him rise to become one of the UFC's biggest superstars. However his latest video has baffled MMA fans, having posted a video of himself using an ape filter while muttering the words "I told you I'd be back".
His face has been transformed by the social media animal filter into that of an ape, which has left fans extremely confused by the meaning of his new cryptic message. One wrote: "Translation: 'Just getting up to some monkey business.'" Another was also confused: "I hope this goes in the deleted tweets pile, this is scary."
Others were more supportive of McGregor, with one writing: "Planet of the double champ." Another added: "This man is pure entertainment. Anything to cover up not having a beard." While other fans were more concerned about his comeback, with one commenting: "It’s almost impossible to still be a Conor fan". One final fan agreed: "A new low for sure." The post has since been deleted.
McGregor has been extremely active on social media since suffering back-to-back defeats by Poirier, with many fellow UFC fighters making a fight call-out for when he returns. He was recently filming for his Hollywood debut in a remake of classic Road House alongside actor Jake Gylenhaal which has pushed his return fight into 2023.
However his manager Tim Simpson expects him to be back and ready to halt his UFC decline in 2023. "A fun little venture then switching back to climbing the mountain again. It fits in perfectly. He’s still on track for a big return next year, but this fits in perfectly in the meantime," Simpson told MMA Junkie.
"Acting wasn't something I think that Conor at the very front of his mind, right now he's still a world class athlete and his focus is being the best fighter in the world. The leg is still healing, I think there's a little bit more to go on that but he's been training like a madman. Twice a day, every day."
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