Conor McGregor: At UFC 205 "I become immortal"
UFC 205's debut in Madison Square Garden and New York City is a historical moment in combat sports. A stacked card with unprecedented depth is headlined by a super fight between lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez and challenger Conor McGregor, the featherweight champion.
McGregor entered the UFC as a two-weight champion in Cage Warriors and he has spent his UFC career in pursuit of replicating the accomplishment in the world's premier MMA promotion, a feat that has never been done. Only two men have ever held belts in two weight classes in the UFC, but never simultaneously.
No one is more aware of the stakes than McGregor, who reminded a crowd of fans what is at stake from the floor of Madison Square Garden at open workouts.
"Saturday night, I become immortal," McGregor said. "I'm immortalized in this, I get the second belt, raise it up, never been done before. It means absolutely everything to me.
"It's my life's work, so I'm ready, I'm going to be prepared. I'm ready to put a show on for the fans."
Madison Square Garden has a rich history in combat sports, hosting iconic boxing matches over the years. While the pursuit of two belts has been a goal of his, McGregor was equally enticed by the venue and what it would mean to fight in New York City.
"It means the world to me," McGregor said of fighting in Madison Square Garden. "I couldn't miss this event, no way."
McGregor's career in the UFC has primarily been spent at 145 pounds, with the exception of his two fights against Nate Diaz at 170 pounds. UFC 205 marks his debut at 155 pounds. Many pundits consider this to be McGregor's more natural weight class, and The Notorious himself isn't concerned about the move up.
"How do I look? I feel better than I look," McGregor responded.
McGregor, who is known for predictions, said he envisions the fight ending in a first-round KO. Alvarez believes he holds the key to defeating McGregor, but the Irishman is equally as confident.
"I feel like I can do it in many ways, I can paint many pictures in my mind, in many different styles," McGregor said. "All you've got to do is look at my previous fights. Every fight is different, every shot, every approach is different. That's why they can't figure me out. Be here for a treat."
