Conor McGregor was compared to a young Muhammad Ali by Demetrious Johnson, the greatest flyweight in MMA history, just three fights into his UFC career.
What sparked the comparison?
Demetrious Johnson made the comparison on *The MMA Hour* ahead of McGregor's first fight against Dustin Poirier in 2014.
At the time, McGregor had beaten Marcus Brimage, Max Holloway, and Diego Brandao in the UFC.
Johnson's assessment of McGregor
Johnson appreciated McGregor's style, both in fighting and talking, saying he reminded him of a young Mike Tyson and Muhammad Ali.
Johnson believed McGregor's predictions were not trash talk, but rather his genuine assessment of his opponents.
McGregor's upcoming fight
McGregor will face Max Holloway at UFC 329 on July 11, his first fight in five years, and will look to add a second victory over Holloway to his record.
McGregor has just one win since his lightweight title win in 2016, and a win over Holloway would be a significant boost to his career.
Confidence and self-belief
McGregor's confidence and self-belief have been a hallmark of his career, earning him the nickname 'Mystic Mac' for his correct predictions.
Demetrious Johnson's comparison of McGregor to a young Muhammad Ali highlights the Irishman's impressive start to his UFC career, which culminated in him becoming the promotion's first-ever simultaneous double champion.
McGregor's fight against Holloway at UFC 329 will be a highly anticipated event, with many fans eager to see if he can back up his confident predictions with a win