When it comes to getting hyped for an upcoming fight, only a handful of fighters could have the same bravado compared to Conor McGregor. "The Notorious" will be fighting in UFC 196 for a non-title fight against Nate Diaz on March 5 in Las Vegas.
Both fighters are known for their trash talking as their night ended with a near brawl. According to Independent, "As the pair came face to face with UFC supreme Dana White for a photo opportunity, Diaz's outstretched fist brushed McGregor's face. The Dubliner responded by pushing the Californian back with a swing of his arm, which sparked both camps to storm the stage before order was eventually restored."
But aside from the interesting (and somehow expected) end of the press conference, another remark by McGregor became the focus of many: his interest in getting toe-to-toe with the unbeaten boxer Floyd Mayweather.
LA Times reported, "in one of the more memorable moments of the UFC 196 news conference, Conor McGregor said Thursday that he wanted to personally tear down the Floyd Mayweather Jr. sign hanging on the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino because he has surpassed Mayweather as the most popular fighter in the building."
It should be noted that both fighters have been at odds with each other. According to Mirror, "Irishman McGregor, the rising star of mixed martial arts, is involved in a long-running feud with Pretty Boy Floyd, with the two having spent a number of months sniping at one another." Floyd talked about racism in the rise of McGregor's popularity with the UFC star responded with a challenge to fight the unbeaten boxer.
Originally, UFC 196 will feature McGregor and Rafael dos Anjos for the lightweight belt - an event that would give McGregor, should he win, multiple belts for the first time. The fight was since cancelled due to dos Anjo's injury and was immediately replaced by Nate Diaz.