A young man and woman with distinct American accents walked into the Quays Irish Restaurant in Dublin, Ireland looking for a drink. They arrived in town earlier this week, originally departing from their hometown of Los Angeles, California. They are not in Ireland for the drinks and debauchery; they did not travel 5,157 miles to take in the lush landscapes. The happy couple came all the way to Dublin to catch an Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event. It is not just any UFC event. It is special because it features a fighter who talks the talk and walks the walk. He is also from Ireland. His name is Conor McGregor.
Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 46 in Dublin, Ireland features McGregor against Diego Brandao in the main event. The UFC Fight Night will be hosted inside of The O2, a venue that holds roughly 14,000 spectators. According to UFC Europe managing director Garry Cook, tickets were sold out within twenty-five minutes of being released for sale.
"I honestly believe we could have sold out a football stadium. The venue is too small," said McGregor at a press conference days prior to UFC Fight Night 46 in Dublin. Cook added, "there's going to be a day here pretty soon when there will be a stadium in Ireland."
Conor McGregor in a suit with sunglasses at the UFC Fight Night press conference. Photo taken by... [+]
Mention the acronym "UFC" to pretty much any pedestrian in Dublin and he or she will instantly chime in on the upcoming fight. Reference McGregor's name and the response is full of excitement and hope. The main event at UFC Fight Night 46 is more than just a fight, it serves as a platform for Ireland to believe it has found its sports hero, something the country desperately desires. On the other hand, it presents an opportunity for UFC to build on a support system in Europe that appears to be growing by the month.
"The country was shut down for this," said McGregor, referring to his home country of Ireland and the event scheduled to occur on Saturday. "There is no pressure for me. You're going to see a true No. 1 contender here Saturday night. I'm going to get the job done. For my hometown; put my nation on the map."
McGregor has a stunning mix of confidence and cockiness that seems to mesh quite perfectly for a fighter on the main stage. He refers to himself as the man who helped kick the door down and pave the way for the UFC, and believes that there is no other fighter in UFC who has ever matched his accomplishments. Yet, McGregor is still very new to the sport. He has only fought in two UFC events, but has not suffered a defeat.
"Saturday you will see the future 170 pound champion in Gunnar Nelson and you will see the future 145 pound champion in myself," boasted McGregor. In response to FORBES asking McGregor about any pressure he feels to win for his country, McGregor replied, "pressure creates diamonds, drama, money. I want this pressure on me." He went on to describe the UFC octagon as a battlefield and referred to mixed martial arts as "fighting on a modern gladiator stage."
The UFC has placed an overwhelming amount of emphasis on Conor McGregor, as it should. He has what it takes to become a true international superstar based on his dress, demeanor and spectator support. The true test awaits in the octagon on Saturday night. A win in the main event will truly demonstrate that the UFC's relationship with Conor McGregor is a match made in heaven, with a little luck of the Irish.
Darren Heitner is a lawyer and the Founder of South Florida-based HEITNER LEGAL, P.L.L.C., which has a focus on Sports Law and Entertainment Law.
