UFC fighter Conor McGregor has spoken about his preparation for his upcoming return to the octagon.
McGregor is set to make his comeback at UFC 329 in a rematch against Max Holloway. This welterweight bout, over a decade after their first encounter, is expected to be more suitable for the Irish fighter than their previous meeting.
McGregor has been out of action for five years following a severe leg break during his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier. His return has sparked considerable discussion about his potential performance and what to expect.
In a recent interview, McGregor shared his thoughts on this new phase of his career:
“With my increased experience in the sport, I now work backward from the ideal outcome. I’ve experienced a limb break in the octagon, and I must have a plan for such events. My perfect scenario involves a knockout with a powerful backhand, met with roaring applause. However, I also consider the worst-case scenarios – a dislocated shoulder midway through the first round, for example. What are my countermeasures? If my knee dislocates, what are my movements and reactions? Do I switch stances or go to the ground? I have a range of responses prepared for these worst-case scenarios, not in an obsessive way, but simply as a contingency. If my ankle, knee, or shoulder gives out, I have a plan for my response because the fight isn’t over. If you have a strategy, you can endure, survive, and work towards victory. I’ve found that with more experience, I can reverse-engineer my approach from the worst possible outcome to the best. That’s where I am now; I’ve anticipated every potential situation and devised my responses.”