Conor McGregor has been backed to win $3 million by American hip hop artist Drake – a fella whose betting slips are said to be cursed — after revealing his new welterweight physique for Sunday’s blockbuster UFC 329 return in Las Vegas.
Despite being a solid underdog for his return to the Octagon, Bet MGM has also revealed the Irish megastar is holding 80 per cent of their own betting pool for what is now set to be a record $25 million (A$36m) gate.
UFC 329: McGregor v Holloway 2 | SUN 12 JULY 11AM AEST | Conor McGregor is back. The Irish superstar takes on the always dangerous Max Holloway in a rematch 13 years in the making. | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports.
Speaking overnight, UFC boss Dana White revealed tickets sales for the former Champ Champ’s return have eclipsed even the $22 million made during their historic event at The Sphere.
“The Conor McGregor effect is huge,” White said. “Our biggest gate ever was the Sphere, $22 million, this gate beat it at $25 million. So this is the biggest gate in UFC history for his return. The city is buzzing.”
Better, and after some five years out of the sport, McGregor decided to keep a heaving T Mobile Arena crowd waiting just a little longer at the ceremonial weigh-ins — stripping all the way down to his briefs before stepping onto the scales and, then finally, squaring off with ‘Blessed’.
While fighters rarely strip down for the ceremonials, the fightin’ Irishman – forever the entertainer – took off his tracksuits pants and shoes, then replaced his kicks, and even retied them, before finally stepping up to weigh in at 170.5 pounds.
Holloway, meanwhile, hit exactly 170 pounds.
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Despite their face off getting physical only a day earlier at the press conference, when McGregor both slapped the hand of Holloway and ripped Meta sunglasses from his face, this one was done without incident.
When welcomed to the microphone afterwards by UFC host Joe Rogan, and welcomed back to the sport, McGregor grinned: “Good to be back Joe, thank you so much.
“Great to be back. Thank you to all the fans here in attendance. I hope you’re all ready for a blockbuster event tomorrow night. The Mac is bringing it.”
Holloway, meanwhile, was more direct.
“I’m too ferocious,” he started. “Too relentless. If this guy is the missile, I’m the f***ing nuke … I’ll see you guys tomorrow night, baby.”
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Elsewhere, Australia’s Robert Whittaker also looked in outstanding shape for his own weigh-in appearance, and UFC light heavyweight debut, against Nikita Krylov.
Despite telling Fox Sports Australia this week he was working to have young son Jack, 11, accompany him onto stage, the fighter was instead shadowed by his longtime head coach Alex Prates.
Englishman Paddy Pimblett also received a huge pop for his appearance, while American wrasslin phenom Gable Steveson also unveiled the physique many are tipping to overthrow the entire UFC heavyweight division.
Undeniably though, this card is about Mystic Mac.
Having already won UFC titles at featherweight and lightweight, the Irish megastar is now beginning what he insists can be a quick run to a shot at the “triple crown” – even as a 37-year-old welterweight.
Yet despite his age, time out of the sport, and not so small matter of busting a leg against Dustin Poirier last time he fought, there are also now suggestions McGregor has been lumped with the infamous ‘Drake Curse’.
Whittaker previews LHW debut vs. Krylov | 03:31
It comes after the singer revealed overnight that he has wagered a whopping $1 million on the man dubbed ‘Mystic Mac’. Should his bet hit, Drake will win $2.85M.
Of course, history suggests McGregor is now up against it in every sense, with Drake so famed for backing the wrong guy, his betting slips are said to be cursed.
In fact, eight years ago the big fella was even on stage, and draped in an Irish flag, for McGregor’s UFC 229 ceremonial weigh-ins against Khabib Nurmagomedov – which eventually proved to be a devastating loss.
Regardless, that hasn’t stopped him posting a Stake slip to Instagram, writing: “THE MAC IS BACK?!?!?? The proper twelve drinking, tailored suit wearing, Lambo Yacht riding man with the Dubai tan that once had both belts in both hands…Say less @stake”
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Sunday’s fight will be the first time McGregor has thrown down since squaring off against Poirier in 2021 — and breaking his leg at the end of the opening round.
The injury initially left McGregor sidelined for three years, having a proposed UFC 303 someback against Michael Chandler was also then aborted due to a toe injury.
McGregor is already famed for being the greatest draw in UFC history.
His UFC 229 showdown against Khabib Nurmagomedov drew a record 2.4 million pay-per-view buys, while he also surpassed the 1.5 million mark in two bouts against Poirier and in his second fight with Nate Diaz.