Conor McGregor is undeniably the most popular MMA fighter of all-time. His commitment towards the craft has led to his rising popularity.
McGregor’s run-ins with the law and absence from the octagon have tarnished his image as a warrior over the years. However, we can’t overlook his achievements.
McGregor’s rise to prominence in the UFC
McGregor made a strong first impression in UFC. In April 2013, he fought Marcus Brimage for the first time in the promotion. McGregor went on a seven-fight winning streak, culminating in his UFC featherweight title victory. He not only won, but he did so in record time by knocking out Jose Aldo, who was UFC’s all-time longest-reigning featherweight champion.
McGregor’s popularity as a professional mixed martial artist is due in large part to his refusal to back down. UFC president Dana White has confirmed several times that the reason he admires McGregor as a fighter is that he is willing to fight anywhere, at any time, and put on a display.
Another important factor in the Irishman’s unrivalled performance is his command over the microphone. ‘Notorious’ is one of, if not the best, speakers in mixed martial arts today. This includes not just his trash-talking skills, but also his extreme fluency and quick wit when discussing the various aspects of the combat game.
McGregor’s meteoric rise to fame has been nothing short of phenomenal.
Let’s take a look at some of the quotes that best illustrate Conor McGregor’s philosophy and approach to fighting:
“There’s no talent here”
“There’s no talent here, this is hard work. This is an obsession. Talent does not exist, we are all equals as human beings. You could be anyone if you put in the time. You will reach the top, and that’s that. I am not talented. I am obsessed.”
This is a philosophy that some of the world’s most famous athletes have followed and preached. Though they are gifted, their success is largely due to their unwavering commitment to excellence.
“You either win or you learn”
When McGregor loses, he does not encourage himself to adopt his ‘Notorious’ identity. His mentor John Kavanagh, has instilled the mantra of learning from loss in McGregor. As a result, after his loss to Nate Diaz or his most recent loss to Dustin Poirier, McGregor said, “You either lose, or you learn”.
This mindset emphasises the importance of recovering from setbacks and improving.
“I’ve lost my mind on this game”
McGregor’s most recent fight was against Dustin Poirier at UFC 257. A journalist read him a quote from 2013 during the pre-fight press conference. McGregor mentioned his ambitions and goals in life in that quote.
“I’ve lost my mind on this game like Vincent Van Gogh dedicated his life to his art and he lost his mind in the process. That’s happened to me but f**k it. When that gold belt is wrapped around my waist and my mother has a big mansion, my girlfriend has a big car and my kids’ kids get everything they ever wanted. Then it will pay. Then I will be happy I lost my mind.”
McGregor became teary-eyed as he listened to this quote, realising that he had finally achieved what he had wished for. It demonstrates that the Irishman has always been dedicated to achieving his goals and has worked hard to achieve them. This was without a doubt one of his most outlandish predictions.
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