If you take him at his word, Conor McGregor is mounting a comeback.
The former UFC champ hasn’t competed since Oct. 2018, when he lost to champion Khabib Nurmagomedov via submission at UFC 229. Since that time, the only instances McGregor (21-4 MMA, 9-2 UFC) appeared in the national mainstream media was for legal issues and an alleged barroom assault.
In an interview with ESPN on Thursday, McGregor took responsibility for his recent actions. The Irishman didn’t state what exact steps he is taking to rebound from his recent issues, but did indicate his desire to return to form.
Recently, McGregor said he has found motivation in comeback performances from three UFC notables, Nate Diaz, Stipe Miocic, and Urijah Faber.
Diaz’s recent comeback at UFC 241 spurred an internal reaction from McGregor. According to McGregor, seeing his rival Diaz (20-11 MMA, 15-9 UFC) succeed after three years away from the cage inspired him to delve back into competition.
“I took great motivation from watching Nate go out there and do his thing,” McGregor said. “Even looking at Nate, there is many things that were amazing about that whole performance (to) me from Nate.
“One of the one’s that most stood out to me was what he said post-fight: ‘The Nick Diaz army.’ He gave a shoutout to his brother. I hope his brother is doing well. I hope Nick is doing well. A solider of the real fight game. He gave him respect right off the bat. That’s why the fans love Nate. That’s why I love and respect Nate.
McGregor continued, “Even now with the cannabis strain he’s coming out with. I hope he’s got his business mind screwed on because he’s in a position now where he could also make a generational like I have. I hope to see that. These are the things I’m just looking at and taking motivation from to use in my game and push me forward.”
Two other performances McGregor was inspired by were recent comebacks from Miocic (19-3 MMA, 13-3 UFC) and UFC Hall of Famer Urijah Faber. Heavyweight champ Miocic (36-10 MMA, 12-6 UFC) returned to action at UFC 241 earlier this month when he avenged his loss to Daniel Cormier. The win came one month after Faber returned in July, when he finished Ricky Simon in less than a minute.
“Look at (how) Stipe Miocic came back after a knockout loss,” McGregor said. “Won the title against the man who knocked him out. There are so many stories of this, over and over again. And mine is going to be the greatest one of all. And that’s what I’m aiming for.
“Even Urijah Faber, a former foe/friend of mine. He came back at 40 years of age. The game is far from over for me. And I’m very, very excited. I had a little road bump… I’m just trying to find that balance. And get motivated again. I’m looking for inspiration everywhere.”
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