Conor McGregor embraces his mother, Mags, following his win over Chad Mendes at UFC 189. AP / Press Association Images AP / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

DONALD McRAE OF The Guardian met Conor McGregor in Las Vegas on Sunday and engaged the UFC interim featherweight champion in an interesting interview.

McGregor discussed his previous job as a plumber and how he left it behind in favour of pursuing his dream of becoming a star in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

“Who has climbed to the pinnacle of the fight game like this? Nobody from Ireland. And to do it in the time I’ve done it, so quick? It’s mind-blowing. But I never forget the struggles. I never forget where I came from. I never ever forget the hard times. I pinch myself because I am surrounded by luxury. But make no mistake — it’s luxury built on sacrifice.”

The 27-year-old also revealed his love for Crumlin, where he grew up, and says he’s looking forward to bringing his UFC belt back there later this month, having spent the majority of 2015 in the US.

“I never truly left Crumlin. You have your friends at that age and where we moved to I didn’t relate to anyone. My boxing gym was in Crumlin, my football club was in Crumlin. I love Crumlin dearly. I love Dublin 12 dearly. Anytime I am back in Dublin I head to Crumlin, to my friends. I’ve had many great moments — but to go back this month to Crumlin as the UFC world champion will be the pinnacle.”

Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the interview saw McGregor open up regarding his love for his family, particularly his mother Mags — who he embraced in the octagon after becoming the UFC’s interim featherweight champion last month — and his father Tony.

“She [his mother] had never been inside the octagon and my coach John Kavanagh made sure she was there. Many years ago my mother rang John when I was drifting. John came to the house and got me back on track. That night he told my mother: ‘When Conor wins the world title I will bring you inside the Octagon’. That promise was fulfilled. My mother has done so much for me. I can’t even put into words how much I love her. I miss her and my father dearly. I cannot wait to go home and have some good nights and good meals with them.”

Other topics that came up for discussion were a hypothetical fight against Floyd Mayweather and whether or not McGregor has respect for undisputed UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo, who he’s expected to face in December on January.

Aldo and McGregor were due to square off on 11 July at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. However, Aldo withdrew from the bout because of injury, before being replaced by Chad Mendes.

“I don’t know him [Aldo]. The only way I would gain respect is through battle. He has been around a long time and done some good things. But he didn’t show up. He and his team were watching my fight from under their duvet, praying that Mendes would win so he wouldn’t have to fight me. How can I respect that?”

The interview is well worth a look and you can read it in full here.

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