– Paul Dollery reports from Madison Square Garden, New York
SO FAR, SO good for Conor McGregor at Madison Square Garden.
After today’s open workout on the court the New York Knicks call home, McGregor put his basketball skills to the test in front of a crowd of approximately 1,000 fans who had gathered at the famous Manhattan venue to get a glimpse of the UFC featherweight champion and some of the other stars of this weekend’s event.
He sunk the free throw and then told UFC presenter Megan Olivi that he plans to hit the target again on Saturday at UFC 205 when he returns to the arena to challenge Eddie Alvarez for the UFC lightweight title.
“Saturday night I become immortal,” he said. “I’m immortalised when I get the second belt and raise it up. It’s never been done before. It means absolutely everything to me, it’s my life’s work. I’m ready, I’ve done everything, I’ve come in here prepared. We’re ready.”
Ahead of headlining the UFC’s inaugural New York event at such an iconic venue, McGregor added: “It means the world to me. That’s why I kept pushing on it. I couldn’t miss this event, no way. I built this event and here I am.”
Saturday’s clash with Alvarez marks McGregor’s first visit to the UFC’s lightweight division. The 28-year-old has competed for the organisation at featherweight and welterweight, but his last outing at 155lbs was for Cage Warriors almost four years ago.
Should he dethrone Alvarez, McGregor will become the first fighter in UFC history to hold two belts simultaneously. If he’s feeling the pressure of expectation, the Dubliner is doing a good job of hiding it.
He said: “I feel like I can do it in many ways. I can paint many pictures inside that octagon. I can come out with many styles. Every fight is different, every shot is different, every approach is different. That’s why they can’t figure me out. Be in for a treat.”
As for his prediction for the fight, McGregor believes it’ll be a short night’s work: “One round, KO.”
