Conor McGregor is undeniably the biggest superstar in MMA history. His trash-talking skills and exuberant personality have made him a favorite among the fans of the sport. However, ‘Notorious’ mentioned a couple of names that inspired him to become a fighter in the first place.

Conor McGregor has not fought in the UFC since UFC 264 when he broke his leg in the fight against Dustin Poirier. He has since then fully recovered and is involved in projects apart from fighting. He has gained a considerable amount of muscle during his time away from the octagon, and even landed his first gig as an actor in the upcoming 1989 remake of ‘Road House’.

However, McGregor will always be known for his fighting more than anything. The paparazzi recently caught hold of him as he spoke to them about the one person he had never got a chance to meet but always looked up to.

Muhammad Ali and Bruce Lee inspired Conor McGregor

While the Irishman was walking out of an establishment, the paparazzi asked Conor McGregor, the one person he never met, but wants to. The former champion took the name of a heavyweight boxing legend. McGregor said, “I don’t know. I always wanted to meet Muhammad Ali.” He mentioned that meeting Muhammad Ali was his lifelong dream. McGregor added, “It would have been a dream of mine. He [Ali] was a big inspiration for me, a hero.”

The Irishman also mentioned that Ali was one of the reasons for his choice of career. He said, “Probably the one that started me on combat sports, was Muhammad Ali. Muhammad [Ali] and Bruce Lee.”

Fans know both personalities for their explosive performances in fights and even share a common likeness for trash-talking. Moreover, Muhammad Ali was the first person to really use “trash-talk” in the build-up to his fights. McGregor also named Bruce Lee as one of his inspirations as well. In one of his previous interviews, the Irishman believed that Bruce Lee could have been a world champion in combat sports.

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Fighting icons in the past inspired Conor McGregor. But he has forged his own Hall of Fame-worthy career in the UFC. That makes him a unique personality in the world of combat sports.

What are your thoughts on McGregor’s inspiration? Let us know in the comments down below.

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