LOVE him or loathe him, Conor McGregor is arguably Ireland’s most famous sporting exile right now.
The Dubliner has been in Las Vegas since May 4 in preparation for this Saturday’s UFC card at the MGM Grand Arena, and it’s fair to say the Americans have warmed to his Irish charm.
Conan O’Brien, the famous talk show host who normally reserves his chairs for Hollywood A-listers, invited McGregor onto his show last week and eight minutes of confidence, charisma and cheek ensued.
Most of McGregor’s fights don’t even last that long – with 15 of his 17 Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) wins coming by knockout, one via submission – and the 26-year-old batted each of O’Brien’s spontaneous questions aside, much like he has done with his most recent opponents.
Having ditched the plumbing trade to seek fame and fortune in the world of UFC, McGregor comes across as intelligent as he is shrewd, citing the predatory movements of animals as his inspiration for much of his work inside the octagon.
Although sometimes called ‘The Celtic Tiger’, McGregor considers his moves to be more akin to that of a gorilla.
“Movement is something that I’m absolutely obsessed with and animal movement is most certainly one of those,” he said. “To watch animals in their natural habitat and how they hunt and prey is pretty spectacular.
“My gym’s logo is a gorilla – their posture, their balance and control of their core is something special. Essentially, we have turned into them – that’s pretty cool.
“I feel like I am the king gorilla so I stuck a king’s crown [on it],” he added, referring to the large tattoo sprawled across his chest.
Next up for McGregor is Chad Mendes, the American who has vowed to “punch a hole” through the Irishman’s face.
That trash-talking could serve as a necessary motivational tool for McGregor, who had hoped to challenge UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo for his crown instead, only for the Brazilian to officially pull out just last Tuesday.
The uncertainty surrounding Aldo’s fitness had been ongoing for some time and his withdrawal from the UFC 189 card has left McGregor with a sour taste in his mouth – he doubts whether the champion will ever allow him his shot.
Indeed, this is the fifth time pound-for-pound king Aldo has withdrawn from a UFC fight, causing many to question his sportsmanship and willingness to put his title on the line against the best.
Just know that it is business as usual up here at the top. See you all on July 11th. pic.twitter.com/WXGPRFWj0y
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) June 24, 2015
McGregor is currently ranked third in the featherweight division but, as it is, the 26-year-old will fight Mendes for the inferior interim featherweight belt in the main event this weekend.
Although Mendes is ranked ahead of McGregor at number two in the featherweight contenders, the bookmakers are expecting the Irishman to topple his 30-year-old opponent, although he’s far from a clear favourite.
However, UFC writers in America claim McGregor is heading into the unknown having never come across a fighter of such strength in the wrestling side of this multi-combat sport.
“I’m going to put him on his back and keep him there,” claims Mendes, who is also highly skilled in the art of speed and power. Assured as ever, McGregor has responded to the doubters, saying: “I am very confident that if we exchange in any grappling sequence I have the ability to dominate him.”
Should the Dubliner defeat Mendes, he’ll have arguably overcome every style of UFC fighter there is, from the rangy Max Holloway to the stout kick-boxer Dennis Siver, via wild brawler Diego Brandao.
Conquer the wrestler, and there’ll be no place left for Aldo to hide.
