Conor McGregor posts photos apparently showing injured leg before UFC 264

Conor McGregor appears determined to prove he was not 100 percent healthy when he competed against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264.

McGregor on Thursday night posted a series of photos that appear to show the progression of a lower leg injury prior to his losing rubber match against Poirier this past Saturday.

“All you pull out merchants wouldn’t last 13 seconds in my world,” wrote McGregor, who was released from the hospital on Wednesday after a 3.5 hour surgery to repair his broken tibia and fibula. “My 4 part Netflix docuseries coming soon has the entire bts. I’m gonna title it ‘Mad Mac’s: Fury Road.’”

The photos were released the same day he told fans he had suffered stress fractures in the left leg that buckled horrifically after an exchange of punches late in the first round. McGregor said the UFC and its chief medical consultant Dr. Jeff Davidson were aware of his status leading into the fight. The UFC did not respond to a request for comment on McGregor’s remarks.

The disclosure also raised questions about what he told the Nevada Athletic Commission about his injury. The commission, which regulated UFC 264 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, would have required McGregor to fill out a pre-fight questionnaire certifying he was in good health to compete and wasn’t suffering from any serious injuries. He also would have received a pre-fight physical from a commission-approved doctor. An email to the NAC requesting comment wasn’t immediately returned.

McGregor’s potential pre-fight injury was first revealed by his longtime coach John Kavanagh, who said the former two-division champ underwent a scan to evaluate his left ankle after training aggravated his condition.

McGregor posted another series of photos that show his injured leg, though like the other images, it’s unclear when they were taken.

In his post-surgery vid, McGregor said he debated pulling out of the fight. He said he’d struggled with ankle injuries for several years during his fight career and adapted to them by developing new techniques fighting off his back.

Poirier said McGregor broke the rules by grabbing his gloves after a flurry of ground and pound stemming from a takedown. He believed the broken bone was caused by an early check of a kick that weakened McGregor’s leg.

The blockbuster fight was called at the end of the first round when the cageside doctor ruled McGregor unable to continue. McGregor was carried out on a stretcher after a profane rant against Poirier and his wife, Jolie Poirier, that drew a response in kind and disapproval from UFC President Dana White.

McGregor said he now has a titanium rod holding his left leg together. After six weeks of recovery on crutches, he plans to begin the arduous process of rehabilitation as he plots a comeback.

Poirier picked up his third straight win following a failed bid for the UFC lightweight title and is expected to fight again for the undisputed belt against current champ Charles Oliveira.