Issue 147
November 2016
FO spends a week tracking Conor McGregor ahead of the most-hyped rematch in mixed martial arts history
Sunday August 14
To make sure he doesn’t get tired in the fight, McGregor’s been hitting the road for endurance training. “I’m supplementing my rounds on rounds with cardio work,” he boasts. Today’s bike ride is the last session before Saturday’s bout.
Monday August 15
McGregor rolls with Marcelo Garcia black belt Dillon Danis to prepare for Diaz’s BJJ game. “He’s going to feel the positions only a straight jiu-jitsu guy could do. We’ve been working our asses off – especially him,” says Danis.
Tuesday August 16
The Irishman breaks for a cover shoot for luxury watch magazine Haute Time. “It’s like I’m something out of The Godfather,” he says. But between shots he’s still working on boxing combinations with striking coach Owen Roddy.
Wednesday August 17
Chaos breaks out at the pre-fight press conference. ‘The Notorious’ turns up late, Diaz walks out, then a bottle-throwing war erupts between McGregor on the stage and the Stockton crew in the stalls. “Seriously, it’s on now,” the 145lb champ spits.
Thursday August 18
The main-event fighters hit the stage for the open workouts in front of thousands of fans and McGregor is ready for war. He cries: “We’re here to fight, so let’s go. F**k the Diaz brothers. F**k those cockroaches!”
Friday August 19
It’s time to weigh in. The Irishman hits the scales under the welterweight limit at 168lb. His opponent comes in at 170.5lb. Before the weigh-in event at the T-Mobile arena, McGregor fills himself with George Lockhart’s nutritious food.
Saturday August 20
Fight day. McGregor evens the score against Diaz by taking a majority decision in a close contest that’s one of the best of the year. “It was a hell of a fight, I feel I have more skills, but boy, is he one tough mother**ker,” says the victorious ‘Notorious’.
