Always him. As usual, Conor McGregor was the center of attention during the open training session held this Wednesday (9) by the UFC in New York, on the Madison Square Garden court, where the New York Knicks, an NBA team, play. The last to appear at the venue, McGregor drew much applause from the public and delighted the fans present, many of whom were Irish. After the traditional training, in which the fighters rehearse some moves, Conor still took a chance on basketball and didn't do badly, hitting the basket with the only shot he tried.
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Asked about the importance of leading the historic event that will be held in New York, McGregor left his modesty aside and assured that it will be immortalized next Saturday.
“It means the world to me. That's why I kept pushing myself. I've had a crazy, busy year and I've been working hard for the fans. I couldn't miss this event. I built this event. So here I am. Saturday night I will become immortal. I will be immortalized in this. Getting that second belt was never done. It means everything to me. It's my life's work. I'm ready. I arrived prepared to put on a show for the fans”, declared the Irishman.
E. Alvarez once again assured that he will submit McGregor next Saturday. (Photo: Getty Images)
Eddie Alvarez, Conor's opponent, was the first to step onto the court. After rehearsing some boxing moves, takedowns and even jumping rope, the UFC lightweight champion once again said that he will beat his rival standing up and give final numbers to the fight on the ground.
“The energy is incredible. I am blessed to be here and I thank all of you. I fought for 13 years of my life, now I'm going to fight in front of the biggest crowd, I'm very excited and looking forward to doing this. I did what I do every day, that's how I became champion. Conor will be very worried about my wrestling and, when he is worried, I will land a bomb and then submit him”, promised Alvarez.
Responsible for the second main event of the night, the welterweights Tyron woodley e Stephen Thompson also attended the event. When asked about his expectations for his first title defense, Woodley did not hide his anxiety and said he was making a dream come true.
“This is a dream come true. Fighting at Madison Square Garden… I can't wait for Saturday night. It's my time, I won't lose to anyone. No one is going to take this belt away from me. I will annihilate everyone in the division. I was an underdog in the last few fights and I'm used to it”, said the 77kg champion.
S. Thompson quoted M. Ali in the post-activities interview. (Photo: Getty Images)
Thompson, in turn, used and abused his traditional high kicks during the demonstration training. During the interview, he remembered Muhammad Ali, a boxing legend who made history at Madison Square Garden, and spoke about paying homage to his idol. “Muhammad Ali performed here and I wanted to pay tribute since we are going to fight at Madison Square Garden. But that's it, I'll try to keep it at a distance from my hands and feet, float like a butterfly and hit like a bee. When I visualize this fight, I see the knockout happening, but what I know is that in the end my arm will be raised”, said the challenger.
UFC 205 will be held this Saturday (12) and will start at 21:30 pm (Brasília time) with full coverage of the SUPER FIGHTS, with narration of the fights in real time, combat reports and post-event interviews.
UFC 205 CARD
Lightweight: Eddie Alvarez x Conor McGregor (belt dispute)
Welterweight Weight: Tyron woodley x Stephen Thompson (belt dispute)
Straw weight: Joanna Jedrzejczyk x Karolina Kowalkiewicz (belt dispute)
Average weight: Chris Weidman x Yoel romero
Welterweight Weight: Donald Cerrone x Kelvin Gastelum
Bantamweight: Miesha Tate x Rachel Pennington
PRELIMINARY CARD
Feather weight: Frankie Edgar x Jeremy Stephens
Lightweight: Khabib Nurmagomedov x Michael Johnson
Welterweight Weight: Vincent Luque x Belal Muhammad |
Lightweight: Jim Miller x Thiago Pitbull
Middleweight: Rafael Natal x Tim Boetsch
Bantamweight: Liz Carmouche x Katlyn chookagian
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