Controversy is nothing new for Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) featherweight champion Conor McGregor and so far, he has found a way to deal with it.

That would, of course, entail him to shoot his mouth off but just the same, any issue or concern on McGregor has seemingly failed to scathe him. With that said, it wouldn't be surprising if his latest row will follow the same route — a controversial photo showing a (masked) McGregor with a submachine gun on Instagram.

McGregor admits that he was surprised that his post drew a lot of flak, surprised it even made the news. But McGregor needs to realize that with his stature, each move (or in this case post) will be used to create some hype.

The gun photo of McGregor raises a lot of concern particularly in Ireland. The country has strict gun laws, so "The Notorious" will obviously have to be investigated.

McGregor apologized for the photo via Fox Sports and later on clarified that the alleged firearm seen by most was actually an airsoft pellet gun that some have already seen before.

The Irishman added that everything was part of his rehearsal for an upcoming film role. Although McGregor didn't specify which film, it is believed that he was referring to was "xXx: The Return of Xander Cage," which will be top-billed by Vin Diesel.

The issue is expected to die down soon, but it has somehow been a good way to hype him up for UFC 197.

McGregor will be returning to action at the next UFC event wherein he will face UFC lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos. It will be McGregor's first fight in the division, a wish he made public after that epic 13-second knockout (KO) win over Jose Aldo at UFC 194.

UFC 197 will happen in Las Vegas on March 5. Aside from McGregor vs. Anjos, UFC women's bantamweight champion Holly Holm will also be in action as she faces Miesha Tate.