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Conor McGregor and Donald Cerrone came face-to-face for the first time earlier today (Weds., Jan. 15, 2020) during the UFC 246 pre-fight press conference inside the The Pearl at The Palms Resort and Casino (video replay here).
And if you bet on Conor showing up late, you are out a few bucks as “Notorious” showed up on time for the festivities.
Furthermore, much to everyone’s surprise it was a rather calm affair, which is an odd thing to say when “Notorious” is on the mic. Indeed, Conor and Donald showered one another with mutual respect, as McGregor complimented Donald’s attire, while “Cowboy” praised the Irishman’s all-around arsenal.
It was a love-fest all around.
And while Conor — the former UFC “champ-champ” — promised there will plenty of blood spilled inside the Octagon come fight night, it just won’t be bad blood.
“I have respect for Donald. He has earned my respect through his activity and through just observing him,” said Conor during the recent UFC 246 pre-fight press conference.
“He steps up. He goes through divisions also, not many a man in the business does that. He’s been around so long.”
”It’s hard not to respect Donald,” the former “champ-champ” stated. “There will be no bad blood here. But there will be blood spilled. Make no mistake about that.”
Usually, Conor is busy hurling insults and trying to play mind games during any presser he’s involved in, as was the case with his last couple of fights against Khabib Nurmagomedov and Floyd Mayweather. So to see a calm, cool and collected McGregor in front of the mic was a site to see.
But, he did say he was coming in to the new year with a new mindset, so there’s that. Plus, it also speaks to the level of respect McGregor has toward “Cowboy,” which is something shared by the entire mixed martial arts (MMA) community.
That said, we can expect the pleasantries to go out the window once fight night rolls around, as “Notorious” has a lot banking on this fight, including a Lightweight title fight.
MMAmania.com will deliver LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow coverage of the entire UFC 246 fight card this weekend RIGHT HERE, starting with the Fight Pass/ESPN+ “Prelims” matches online, which are scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. ET, then the remaining undercard balance on ESPN at 8 p.m. ET, before the PPV main card start time at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN+.
To check out the latest and greatest “McGregor vs. Cerrone” news and notes be sure to hit up our comprehensive event archive right here. For the entire UFC 246 fight card and PPV line up click here.