In Saturday’s Manchester interview with sports journalist Ariel Helwani, UFC lightweight champion Conor McGregor explained his plans for the future. Primarily, the champion focused on his drive to bring his bout with boxing champion Floyd Mayweather into fruition.
“I believe it could happen by the end of this year. I believe it will happen by the end of this year or early next year. I believe, either side of that, it will happen.”
When asked about the legitimacy of the bout, the boxing world’s lack of faith in the bout’s possibility and his future in the UFC, McGregor had the following to say.
“The sound of laughter and the sound of doubt motivates me. I enjoy that. I seek that. I don’t feel like going and fighting any of these other UFC bums, right now. They need to rise up. Right now, there down there.”
Journalist Ariel Helwani prompted the question of McGregor potentially knocking out the boxing champion, McGregor said,
“My fists are bigger than his head, seriously. I know every single shot he’s been hit with. I know every single shot he’s been hurt with. I now southpaws have caused him a [Expletive] of a lot of trouble.”
When asked if this boxing match is the primary goal on McGregor’s mind, the UFC champion responded in kind.
“I believe next time I step into a combat arena will be through the ropes in ten ounce or eight ounce gloves.”
With the boxing match being far from certain, McGregor faces the possibility of taking a lot of time off from the UFC. McGregor responded to the idea of taking so much time off.
“For $100 Million, I will sit on the sidelines for another year. I’m twitching sometimes, but [Expletive] it. This is historic. Fighting Khabib, what the [Expletive] his name is, Tony Donky, Jose…even Woodley for the third [isn’t worth it] — sometimes you’ve got to be patient with situations and I feel this is one of them. Plus, the situation around me, I’m about to have a baby. I’m in a different mindset right now.”
The original interview may be viewed here, by means of pay-per-view.
