When Conor McGregor took on Eddie Alvarez for the UFC lightweight title way back in 2016, he delivered arguably his finest performance in the Octagon. Conor tore the champ to pieces, knocking Alvarez down several times before the final TKO.
This was the fight that turned Conor McGregor into the UFC’s first simultaneous two-division champion, and catapulted the Irishman’s star power into the stratosphere.
McGregor on Alvarez performance: “I’m going to top it!”
He believes he can do better. McGregor told the assembled UFC 264 press conference: “I’m better than that man, it’s coming full circle and I look forward to showing it on Saturday night.
That night was the single greatest performance in UFC history, widely regarded, the night I won the second world title in Madison Square Garden. This performance on Saturday night, I’m going to top it.”
If Conor can pull this off, it will no doubt secure his legacy as one of the best to enter the Octagon. McGregor’s exploits outside the ring may even be obscured by such an impressive accomplishment.
McGregor’s time since the Alvarez fight has been spent selling whiskey, punching old men in pubs, boxing Floyd Mayweather, and throwing a trolley at the UFC’s bus. McGregor acknowledged that this lengthy period of inactivity took its toll on his fighting ability, which may explain the rapid turnaround in this rematch with Poirier.
However, in Dustin Poirier, McGregor faces one of the UFC’s finest strikers. Poirier has been highly active in the lightweight division in McGregor’s absence, continually improving his skills and developing the power and precision that earned Poirier the win over McGregor earlier this year.
Conor, for his part, has never lost to the same man twice in his entire career, returning from defeat at Nate Diaz’s hands to deliver the only performance in his career to rival that of the Alvarez fight.
McGregor has promised the crowd a violent show: “I’m very excited to come back, boost the economy here in Las Vegas once again, put on a show for the fans and score a devastating KO.”
Doing so will bring McGregor full circle, returning the Irishman to the lightweight championship where he once showcased the best of his ability. The title fight would most likely take place later this year, and Conor fully intends to reclaim the belt that made him a superstar.
Do you think Conor will do as he promises and deliver the best of himself this Saturday night? Is the Irishman’s time in the Octagon over? Let us know what you think in the comments.
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