Conor McGregor has surprised fans with his behaviour at the UFC 246 press conference ahead of his clash with Donald ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone.
McGregor will face Cerrone on January 18 as he returns from a 15-month absence from the Octagon.
‘Notorious’ hasn’t won a fight since 2016 and his career has been rocky in recent years.
But the 31-year-old appears to have a new focus of late and is looking to get back to winning ways when he meets Cowboy in Las Vegas.
Focused
And McGregor has shown another glimpse of the new, focused version of himself at the recent UFC 246 press conference.
The former two-weight champion has been known for his controversial antics and the disrespect he’s often shown opponents ahead of fights.
But a different McGregor appeared to show up to the press event, arriving on time and appearing calm and humble throughout.
Speaking at the conference, the Dubliner insisted he hadn’t changed too much and still had his hunger and ambition.
But revealed he feels like an improved version of himself as he returns to the UFC.
“If you ask my family and the people who know me they wouldn’t say I’ve changed,” McGregor said.
“I’m still the same young kid I always was, I’m still an aspiring man and reaching for the stars, doing things that haven’t been done before.”
“I feel like I’ve turned over a new leaf.”
“I am re-energised and refreshed.”
No Bad Blood
Notorious also deviated from his usual, controversial persona by offering praise and respect to his upcoming opponent.
McGregor is known for sending sharp barbs to his rivals and trying to get under their skin, and a recent social media post suggested that fans might be in for more of the same.
Notorious posted a photo with the caption, “First one to shoot’s a cowb*tch”, suggesting there would be more jibes to come.
But the Irishman instead offered his respects to Cerrone, and while he maintained that he’ll knock the American out, he insisted there’ll be no bad blood when the two come together.
“I’ve had my back and forth with Donald over the years but so much has changed since the last time,”
“It’s hard not to respect Donald at this stage. Although there will be blood spilled, it will not be bad blood.”
“It will be a KO.”
A New Page
McGregor has revealed more plans to fight in 2020 and named Khabib Nurmagomedov and Justin Gaethje as two likely opponents.
Has McGregor really turned a page in his tumultuous career?
(Featured image source: Instagram/ UFC)