Conor McGregor spars for first time since breaking leg as UFC star steps up comeback

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Conor McGregor returned to sparring for the first time in 278 days at the Crumlin Boxing Gym in Dublin yesterday as his UFC comeback edges closer.

Former two-weight world champion McGregor has been back on his feet and hitting pads for weeks after suffering a broken leg during his trilogy bout with Dustin Poirier last summer. And yesterday he returned to boxing sparring as he ramps up preparation for his return to the octagon.

The Irishman took to the ring at his old boxing gym for his first sparring session since the injury, with a handful of gym members and coaches watching on. He took to Instagram to share photos of the moment, captioning them "my first spar" with a love heart emoji.

McGregor has been training consistently since the loss to Poirier, his first time losing consecutively in his MMA career. But he has been unable to step into the ring or cage with another competitor until receiving medical clearance, which has evidently happened in recent days.

It is unknown for how long the session lasted or what McGregor looked like in the exchanges. But despite reportedly tipping the scales at around 190lb, he looked in solid shape as he boxed a member of the club yesterday.

Last week, the Irishman confirmed to Mirror Fighting that he is planning on returning to the UFC at welterweight, saying he feels comfortable at 170lb. "Straight back into training," he said. "I'm