Photos: Check out difference between Conor McGregor at 145 pounds and now 170

Here’s the difference that three months, two weight classes and 23 pounds make for UFC featherweight champion Conor McGregor.

Looking downright gaunt prior to December’s UFC 194 event, where he won the featherweight title from former longtime 145-pound champ Jose Aldo, McGregor (19-2 MMA, 7-0 UFC) clearly looks healthier for tonight’s UFC 196 non-title welterweight bout against Nate Diaz (18-10 MMA, 13-8 UFC).

McGregor weighed 145 pounds for the Dec. 11 bout. For tonight’s pay-per-view headliner at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Garden Arena, he tipped the scale at 168 pounds.

Throughout fight week, McGregor has openly celebrated his new weight class, where he’s able to eat full meals and worry less about his usually massive weight cuts. However, the question is whether it’ll be a temporary weight class or a permanent one.

Tonight’s fight originally was against lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos (25-7 MMA, 14-5 UFC), but when Diaz stepped in as a replacement, he requested a 165-pound catchweight. McGregor then one-upped his opponent and demanded 170 pounds. In fact, McGregor hasn’t ruled out the possibility of sticking around at 170 pounds for a potential welterweight title fight against champ Robbie Lawler (27-10 MMA, 12-4 UFC).

For more on UFC 196, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.

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