LAS VEGAS — Conor McGregor is never short on confidence, and things are no different going into Saturday's lightweight title fight against Khabib Nurmagomedov.
McGregor (21-3 MMA, 9-1 UFC) appeared in front of fans for a UFC 229 open workout for the first time in nearly two years Wednesday at Park Theatre. He hit the pads for cameras ahead of his encounter with Nurmagomedov (26-0 MMA, 10-0 UFC), then afterward delivered an impassioned speech about how he sees the fight going.
"It's good to be back," McGregor told UFC reporter Megan Olivi. "I'm going to have a proper fight. I'm going to come out there fast. I don't give a (expletive) about anything – any wrestling, any technique – anything. I'm coming for that man's head from the (expletive) bell. Trust me on that."
UFC 229 takes place at T-Mobile Arena. McGregor vs. Nurmagomedov headlines the pay-per-view main card following prelims on FS1 and UFC Fight Pass.
McGregor is clearly not flustered by anything the unbeaten champion Nurmagomedov brings to the table. He apparently doesn't see "The Eagle" as much of a threat and said he sees plenty of flaws to expose.
Because of that, McGregor expects to put Nurmagomedov down in highlight-reel fashion.
"Devastating KO," McGregor predicted. "Too easy to hit, too flat-footed, too predictable. I'm going to knock him clean out."
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Good question: Will we care about McGregor a year from now?
Prior to his career-long 693-day layoff, McGregor was both the lightweight and featherweight champion of the UFC. His long absence has included a boxing match against Floyd Mayweather, becoming a father, launching his own whiskey brand and plenty of controversial moments.
Now, though, McGregor is just days away from his anticipated return to the octagon, and he said he wouldn't rather be anywhere else.
"It's good to be back doing what I love to do, competing in front of my fans," McGregor said. "I'm going to take his head off, trust me."
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