LAS VEGAS – Conor McGregor is swelling with confidence for his UFC 246 headliner with Donald Cerrone, and the former UFC champ-champ is expecting a dominant performance.
McGregor (21-4 MMA, 9-2 UFC) has largely expressed respect and admiration for Cerrone (36-13 MMA, 23-10 UFC) in the lead-up to Saturday’s welterweight main event. He did take one minor potshot at “Cowboy,” though, and expressed at Wednesday’s pre-fight press conference that he expects no surprises on fight night.
“I can read Donald,” McGregor told reporters, including MMA Junkie, at the press conference at The Palms Casino & Resort. “I like him and all, he’s a good guy, but I can read Donald like a children’s book if we’re being honest. He’s a good fighter, he’s got some good tricks up his sleeve. I know the tricks he has, I know what he’s planning and what he hopes to achieve, but we’re well prepared, and we’ll see on the night. It’s going to be a good night.”
McGregor has seemed locked in mentally and physically for his octagon return after 14 months on the sidelines. The former two-division UFC champ believe he’s going to produce an all-time effort at UFC 246.
“I certainly feel like I have the speed advantage,” McGregor said. “I’m feeling confident going in there. I’m feeling confident against anyone. A full prepared, fully committed Conor McGregor – there’s no one that can touch me. I’m great at this game. I made this game what it is. I’ll remind the world Jan. 18.”
As far as how he sees the fight going, McGregor, who has been famous for his accurate “Mystic Mac” predictions over the years, sees his striking finishing the job against Cerrone.
“He has my respect,” McGregor said. “Although there will be blood spilled on Jan. 18, it will not be bad blood. The ‘Mystic Mac’ prediction will be a KO.”
UFC 246 takes place at T-Mobile Arena. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN and early prelims on UFC Fight Pass/ESPN+.
Conor McGregor can read Donald Cerrone 'like a children's book,' predicts KO at UFC 246
