Conor McGregor was unusually tame at Thursday night's UFC 329 post-fight press conference—until it came time to face off with his opponent Max Holloway.
The Irish MMA star, who is returning after five years out of action, was full of confidence, promising a beatdown of Holloway when the fight this Saturday, but kept things pretty civil. He also did quite a bit of talking about his own personal evolution, and what this comeback means to him. Compared to most of his recent public appearances, it was incredibly subdued.
The brash McGregor fans are accustomed to finally made an appearance when he faced off with Holloway at the conclusion of the press conference. The Irishman got right into the Hawaiian's face, throwing his sunglasses to the floor and swatting his hand. Holloway didn't back down, resulting in a very intense moment that will supercharge interest in what was already a very anticipated fight.
Scroll on for a complete recap of the UFC 329 press conference, which also featured the card's co-headliners Benoit Saint Denis and Paddy Pimblett.
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Just when it like it looked like we were in for perhaps the most tame Conor McGregor press conference ever, the Irishman took things to another level in his face-off with Holloway, throwing the Hawaiian's sunglasses to the ground, and smacking his hand. Holloway didn't back down though, and actually seemed to get pretty fired up from the exchange.
This fight is going to be sick.
No shoving or trash talk between Paddy Pimblett and Benoit Saint Denis, but it's clear the crowd is behind the Brit.
McGregor says he is out to prove something to himself on Saturday night, and just like that, the time for questions is over. We'll now get some quick face-offs, starting with the co-main event.
No news yet on when Conor McGregor might fight next after UFC 329.
He and White both agreed to "get through Saturday" before discussing future plans.
Conor McGregor is asked about a rematch with Floyd Mayweather in the Zuffa Boxing ring. He's clearly very interested.
"Yes," he said.
White seemed less enthused.
"Nobody thought of that," he said sarcastically.
Conor McGregor says he will be retiring Max Holloway this Saturday, shutting down any talk of a trilogy.
Holloway obviously disagrees, promising to "drown" McGregor.
"I hope he can swim."
McGregor is clearly in a festive mood, leading the crowd in an atrocious rendition of the hit Oasis song Wonderwall.
That was... something...
Conor McGregor is known for his pre-fight predictions, and he was asked to make one for his UFC 329 fight.
He is brimming with confidence.
"We're coming in to win spectacularly," he said. "This is for all the marbles. I'm coming in like a missile.
"I'm going to destroy Max. I'm going to eliminate Max.
"I'm in my prime. Saturday you're going to see."
Next month, Ireland's Ian Machado Garry will get a crack at Islam Makhachev and the UFC lightweight title. McGregor didn't seem overly enthused about his countrymen, but gave him some props when asked about the fight.
"The Machado fellow, I wish him well," he said. "Up Ireland."
Conor McGregor is clearly the star of this press conference, but Paddy Pimblett is getting plenty of love from the fans too.
McGregor is sporting two UFC belts adorned with the Irish flag.
"These belts represent every record in the fight business."
He says he wants to win a third belt in the UFC welterweight division.
McGregor is asked how it feels to be back, and he soaks up the cheers.
"This is why I'm back, for the love of the game, and the love of fans," he says.
He's clearly full of confidence.
The UFC 329 press conference is finally underway. UFC CEO Dana White is front and center to emcee. Co-headliners Pimblett and Saint Denis were next to take the stage. Holloway followed them, and McGregor, of course, was last. Here we go.
The pop the Irishman got from the crowd was deafening.
Conor McGregor is "Notorious" for a number of things. One of those things is showing up late to his own press conferences—sometimes significantly late.
The UFC 329 press conference is scheduled to kick off at 10:00 pm ET, about 10 minutes from now. Let's see if everything goes according to plan, or if McGregor will once again delay things by showing up fashionably late...
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