For the first time in a long time, it feels like the Mac is in fact back.
Not because of anything he’s done in the Octagon, but because of the show he put on beforehand.
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Ahead of his long-awaited UFC 329 comeback against Max Holloway in Las Vegas this Sunday (AEDT), Conor McGregor produced the type of press conference performance that made him the biggest star the sport has ever seen.
After five years away from the game, and spending much of this fight camp unusually quiet, the Irishman looked completely at home under the spotlight.
And judging by the reaction across social media, fight fans, pundits and fighters loved every minute of it.
Veteran MMA reporter Aaron Bronsteter posted: “Vintage Conor at the presser today. It will be more difficult to turn back the clock on Saturday, but if anyone believes that they are capable of it, it’s Conor.”
Commentator Wade Plemons wrote: “230k PEOPLE WATCHING THE CONOR MCGREGOR PRESSER. The Mac is truly back!”
MMA Junkie and USA Today’s Mike Bohn posted: “This banged. Energy in the room was crazy.”
MMA reporter John Morgan was equally impressed, posting: “Snatching the glasses?!? Conor always finds a way to push the envelope. Love him, hate him, his impact is undeniable.”
McGregor was brimming with confidence, taking aim at Holloway at every opportunity.
When asked for his “Mystic Mac” prediction, he didn’t hesitate.
“Destruction. I’m going to destroy Max. I’m going to eliminate Max…,” he said.
“All of my [past] UFC opponents are gone [retired]. Max is the last one left, and on Saturday night, he gets eliminated for good.”
When quizzed if Holloway is the best boxer in the UFC, McGregor fired back: “I think his boxing is abysmal; I don’t rate it once. He has one gear, and it’s not impressive. Lil Evil Holloway.”
Holloway, who spent most of the press conference grinning, admitted afterwards he had a blast sharing the stage with McGregor.
The Irishman, meanwhile, insisted this comeback isn’t about proving anything to anyone else — it’s about proving something to himself.
A lot has happened since fans last saw McGregor in the Octagon. He’s battled back from a horrific broken leg, dealt with plenty outside the cage and is now looking to show he can still mix it with the best.
Holloway on the other hand has only improved, cementing himself as one of the greatest featherweights ever and staying active against the sport’s top names.
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Yet after Friday’s press conference, there appeared to be a growing belief among some fans that perhaps McGregor still has at least one more vintage performance left in him.
Former UFC coach Tim Welch summed it up best.
“Would be f**king crazy if Conor pulls this off guys,” he posted.