Even though he is one of the UFC’s biggest stars, Conor McGregor still makes time for his most loyal followers.
“He had a cardboard cutout of me in a fighting stance and an Irish flag draped over the balcony” McGregor said. “That is f---ing crazy.”
McGregor quipped that he would drop in on the fan, and in a video captured by TMZ.com, the “Notorious” champ made good on his word.
When McGregor arrives, the stunned fan reveals that he has been displaying the decor prior to every fight since the Dublin native defeated Max Holloway in August 2013. He also surprises McGregor with another piece of memorabilia: the fighter’s trademark Reebok shoes.
“I don’t even have them,” McGregor said. “They are unbelievable. That’s unbelievable. I’ve got to put on a show for you.”
Before leaving, McGregor autographed some more gear for the fan, who remained in a state of disbelief.
“The only thing I can say, and I hope Conor sees this, is that feeling he had with Jose Aldo when he knocked him out and he became the champ, hands down that’s what I felt like tonight,” he said. “That’s how amazing it was. I really hope he sees that. I think he saw it on my face..that’s the best I can say.”
McGregor will face Nate Diaz in a welterweight bout in the UFC 196 headliner on Saturday at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. He is unbeaten in seven Octagon appearances and hasn’t lost since 2010 overall.
“I appreciate the support of all the fans out here and all over the world,” McGregor said. “I never take it for granted. I use it as motivation. I am extremely grateful to the fans.”