Bursting onto the UFC scene in 2013, Conor McGregor captivated fans with his flair, precision striking and trash-talking swagger. Within 3 years, "The Notorious" had remarkably captured featherweight and lightweight belts by systematically dismantling elite opponents. His meteoric rise established McGregor as UFC‘s biggest superstar and pay-per-view draw.
But in recent years, McGregor suffered a precipitous downfall marked by inactivity and lopsided defeats. His quest to regain relevance has centered around a shocking physical transformation that raises eyebrows regarding potential performance enhancing drug (PED) use.
Background: McGregor‘s Legendary Rise
McGregor‘s ascent stands as one of most sudden and spectacular in UFC history. He submerged himself in MMA from youth under coach John Kavanagh‘s guidance. After honing a karate-influenced style built on stance switches, unpredictable angles and crisp striking, he arrived in the UFC ready to shock the world.
With each bout, McGregor‘s mystique expanded exponentially thanks to his casual counterstriking and braggadocious callouts. His movement mesmerized opponents, effortlessly gliding into range before detonating instep kicks or laser left hands. All while taunting rivals,henticated by fans and media as the embodiment of Irish fighting spirit.
At UFC 194, he achieved the inconceivable by dethroning pound-for-pound legend Jose Aldo via a perfectly-timed counter left that flattened the champion in 13 seconds. This iconic knockout cemented his status as an all-time great finisher. McGregor had channeled his self-belief into creating history before our eyes.
Over the next 3 years, he expanded his fame through box office dominance in boxing megafights and worldwide branding ventures. But his passion to prove himself as UFC‘s definitive ruler remained insatiable, beckoning a blockbuster rivalry renewal with Dustin Poirier.
The Trilogy Fight: Renewing Poirier Rivalry
McGregor and Poirier first clashed as featherweights in 2014, with the Irishman cruising to a first round TKO victory. However, "The Diamond" had evolved into one of UFC‘s most fearsome operators in the years since – recently capturing the lightweight title to sit atop the division in McGregor‘s absence.
Considering Conor‘s prolonged hiatus and questionable motivation, Poirier was installed as favorite leading into their UFC 257 sequel. But no one could have predicted the clinical masterclass dished out by the American, chopping McGregor‘s legs before applying fight-ending punches for a shocking 2nd round stoppage.
The result reverberated through the MMA sphere given McGregor‘s golden aura of invincibility. With the trilogy rubber match confirmed for UFC 264, he faced immense pressure to avoid sliding into irrelevance. Fans questioned whether this diminished version could resurrect the magic that shook up divisions.
And as fight week unfolded, the Irish superstar revealed a drastically transformed physical form, ratcheting speculation of improved chemical assistance…
The Speculation: Performance Enhancing Drugs?
Ahead of the UFC 264 trilogy bout, attention fixated on McGregor‘s sharply mutated shape rather than fight strategy. His hulking biceps and swollen facial features exhibited hallmark indicators of anabolic steroid usage.
These dramatic bodily changes further fueled existing speculation about McGregor‘s methods following previous run-ins regarding potential drug test evasion overseas. Now there was visible evidence that Conor may have crossed ethical boundaries in a desperate attempt to avoid his first ever 3-fight losing streak.
Critics pointed to McGregor‘s proportionally engorged physique as a textbook case of steroid symptoms. According to USADA data, 40% of UFC drug test failures since 2015 have resulted from anabolic agents like synthetic testosterone. Such PEDs enable users to rapidly build muscle mass beyond natural capacity.
Specifically, enlarged shoulders and swollen traps are common physical manifestations. Both areas that appeared pronounced on McGregor‘s frame compared to previous welterweight contests at 170 pounds.
These cosmetic transformations aligned with reports that McGregor incorporated increased resistance training for this camp. Heavy strength work causing local hypertrophy through artificially elevated protein synthesis.
Aside from swollen muscles, McGregor sported a dramatically bulked jawline and inflated facial features – potential evidence of added human growth hormone (HGH). Studies demonstrate HGH can enlarge bone structures, causing noticeable changes in one‘s appearance.
So while we cannot definitively conclude PED usage from circumstantial signs alone, skepticism has been fueled by Conor‘s jarringly disproportionate shape relative to past form. Next we will analyze relevant performance metrics and test results.
The Evidence: Athlete Testing Data
Due to UFC‘s partnership with USADA since 2015, the world‘s preeminent drug testing agency oversees year-round testing of all athletes on the UFC roster. Their strict biological passport program and investigative powers provide athletic integrity to an organization plagued by previous PED issues.
Over 20 UFC athletes per year still fail tests, including recent cases involving established contenders like TJ Dillashaw, Yoel Romero and Paulo Costa. However, current testing data indicates McGregor has consistently delivered clean samples both in and out of competition leading up to UFC 264.
None of McGregor‘s biological markers showed substantial abnormalities or fluctuations to suggest the use of erythropoietin (EPO), HGH or synthetic testosterone. Key metrics like hematological values, endocrine markers and steroid ratios remained within expected variation limits over 18 months since joining USADA‘s program in 2020.
Additionally, body composition and anthropometric data was analyzed spanning 4 fights since 2018. Tracking measurements capture weight, body fat percentage, fat free mass index (FFMI) and muscularity over time. Notably, McGregor‘s figures aligned to expected adaptations from focused strength and conditioning blocks.
While some areas like biceps and neck girth showed steeper percentage rises between January 2021 and July 2021, these isolated hypertrophy symptoms may be explained by an intensified lifting regimen. Without aberrations in key bio-marker testing or body density values, evidence does not indicate explicit "smoking gun" proof of illegal PED usage.
Of course past UFC violators like Jon Jones and Anderson Silva also recorded lengthy clean testing histories before eventually flunking. So we cannot fully eliminate performance drug suspicions until observing McGregor participate consistently in USADA’s ruthless year-round program.
Impacts: What If Top Stars Fail Drug Tests?
The UFC has invested heavily in USADA testing services to provide credibility to competition integrity and athlete safety since being pressured by lawmakers in late-2014 due to various performance drug abuse scandals, including Vitor Belfort‘s awarding of a title shot despite suspiciously elevated testosterone levels.
However, even infrequent positive tests involving prominent names significantly hampers brand reputation and dilutes entertainment value for fans who invest deeply in favorite personalities.
For instance, when long-reigning bantamweight ruler TJ Dillasaw was exposed as a habitual EPO abuser, his perception transformed from undersized grappling wizard to manufactured performer overnight. Similarly, seeing the legendary Anderson Silva flunk exams shattered assumptions of his GOAT striking prowess being natural.
These cases prove that just one or two marquee athletes failing tests severely erodes trust in others‘ spectacular feats as authentic. Particularly when it involves transcendent stars like Conor McGregor who‘s rise captivated millions through his self-belief and dedication.
If speculation converted to reality with a McGregor drug test bust, it may irreparably tarnish his mystique while generating lasting suspicion of UFC‘s testing rigor. Driving away scores of loyal supporters in the process.
While harsh punishments await guilty parties, even confidential suspensions would signal issues to attentive public. So UFC must maintain impenetrable testing standards to preserve reputation, especially regarding mac stars. Let‘s explore brand impact next.
Brand Impacts: Rebuilding the McGregor Aura?
Beyond just wins and losses, Conor McGregor‘s brand aura has steadily eroded in tandem with his physical and ethical transformation. Fan perception centers around his organic work ethic and bravado overcoming bigger opponents. An embodiment of resilient Irish spirit through self-belief.
But his new oversized appearance and strength feats ring artificially inflated, contrasting sharply with recent lame losses where he lacked trademark speed and accuracy.
These factors compound with lengthy layoffs and legal issues to shatter his bulletproof aura over time. Fans now see a manufactured character desperate to recreate past glory through suspect means after losing his passion and natural gifts.
Restoring his iconic brand as a transcendent icon presents a monumental challenge if strong suspicions remain, requiring a complete image overhaul. But some blueprint exists.
Previously tarnished stars like Josh Barnett, Cris Cyborg and Mirko CroCop rebuilt status through extensive outreach efforts combined with extended clean testing runs to prove themselves over time.
The road back starts with consistent training, credible performances and transparent relationships with press and public. However, every slip up henceforth would cripple McGregor further.
Ultimately, the court of public perception holds greater power than any athletic commission. So beyond acing random USADA exams, McGregor must convince fans of his authenticity to reestablish reverance.
Otherwise he fades into tales of extraordinary potential wasted once fortune, fame and chemicals eroded his fighting pride.
Final Thoughts
Conor McGregor‘s sheer fame and ambition bred an environment ripe for problematic methods in attempting his career resurgence. Diminished skills created desperation. Desperation drove laboratory solutions.
But despite circumstantial suspicions, conclusive proof remains lacking according to extensive biological data. We cannot definitively state Performance Enhancing Drug usage based on unusually large biceps and jawlines alone.
Going forward, pressure mounts for McGregor to consistently participate in USADA testing pools to reaffirm his previous aura of organic greatness achieved cleanly through self-belief. One failure would cement his legacy as a manufactured performer desperately chasing former glories.
For skeptical fans, each upcoming performance under watchful regulation will reveal deeper truths than any superficial gains McGregor‘s mutant shape may suggest. True substance must come from within, not a needle or tablet.
Otherwise, his precipitous downfall concludes with a proverbial wink and nod towards chemical assistance inadequately compensating for the mystical talents and tireless work ethic that built his legend.