Conor McGregor is eyeing a big 2024.
‘The Notorious’ will make his long-awaited return to the octagon on June 29 against Michael Chandler in the main event of UFC 303. Following their time as coaches on The Ultimate Fighter, fans have eagerly awaited the two would square off against one another and the announcement finally came last month, when UFC CEO Dana White announced the bout in his post UFC 300 press conference.
In an interview with Oscar Willis of The Mac Life, a stoic McGregor elaborated on where his mind is at heading into the monumental bout. He said:
“(I’m) Ready to go. I'm calm, I’m composed, I’m cold in the soul for this man and this this whole thing. I'm coming back with a vengeance and I'm coming back with skill. So I'm excited to show my skills, my man, I’m in a great place mentally, physically, spiritually. And five weeks, five days time, we're back on the horse.”
McGregor made a name for himself being able to talk the talk and walk the walk throughout his career and even though there will no doubt be plenty of back and forth between himself and Chandler leading into the contest, it is clear that there is mutual respect between the two. Whilst discussing the bout, McGregor admitted that he can’t see himself revisiting the levels of animosity he has held for previous opponents.
“Yeah, I don't think I'll go to that level again. You know, it doesn't serve a purpose. It doesn't serve me well. You know, like you say, you remain cold to the situation. You remain emotionless. It's a blank face and a specific body type, he has his set movements, his set patterns he moves in and his set shots. And, you know, I'm aware of them and I'm preparing for a multitude of outcomes. And, you know, just getting myself as ready as I can be and I am confident that all my shots will land.”
In his three years away from the sport, McGregor has been involved in a multitude of different business ventures including the launch of Forged Irish Stout, the opening of his restaurant and even featuring in the remake of Roadhouse. However, now with a date in the diary and an opponent set, the 35 year old is fully focused on the task in hand tuning up nicely with his coach John Kavanagh ahead of fight night.
“Yeah, well, I’m back and I'm on a tear, my man. I'm feeling great. Upgrade the software without damaging the hardware. You know, an old coach Kavanagh adage and that's, you know, why we're doing that. So we're in a really great place, myself and John. Training has been tremendous and I'm excited to get going.”
Having not competed since his leg injury against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264, McGregor is looking to make up for lost time and be extremely active throughout the duration of the next year. The Irishman confirmed he is looking to compete three times this year and even had some names in mind of who he would like to face. He said:
“You know, we've got Chandler, June and obviously September Sphere is Mexican Independence Day, potentially someone with a Mexican heritage. Maybe Diaz, I think Diaz would be perfect. I don't know the ins and outs. I kind of thought that would be a lovely one. I'm up for anyone, any one of them, and that's the truth. I don't really care who it is. I’m back. I want activity. And, you know, I've said this before and I'm God willing, this is the time and I feel and believe that it is.”
Watch the full interview below:
