‘You will never beat the Irish’: McGregor thanks fans

Conor McGregor has been given little chance of beating Floyd Mayweather — but try telling that to his Irish fans.

Fans of UFC lightweight champion Conor McGregor pose at the official weigh-in before McGregor’s bout with boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. Photo: Getty Images

Conor McGregor has been given little chance of beating Floyd Mayweather in their mega-fight at T-Mobile Arena tomorrow — but try telling that to the thousands of Irish fans who have flooded into Las Vegas to support their compatriot.

Irish fans dominated the audience at this morning’s weigh-in, where McGregor dispelled fears that he was struggling to make the weight. The UFC star weighed in at 153 pounds, inside the 154-pound weight limit for the super welterweight division.

Maybe McGregor was right about Ireland taking over Las Vegas. Amazing scenes following weigh-in. #MayweatherMcGregor pic.twitter.com/6eJFRIWlq0

— Brent Read (@brentread_7) August 25, 2017

Irish supporters began filling the venue hours before the fighters took to the stage. They were in full swing by the time McGregor walked out to the tunes of Irish folk ballad The Foggy Dew, draped in trídhathach na hÉireann — Ireland’s national flag.

McGregor first used the song, which chronicles the Easter uprising of 1916 and encourages Irishmen to fight for the cause of Ireland rather than the British, as his walkout tune three years ago.

It then blended into Notorious B. I. G’s hit Hypnotise as McGregor, wearing green khaki pants, sunglasses and no shirt, reached the stage, where he acknowledged the support of his compatriots before exchanging a handshake with UFC boss Dana White.

It was then Mayweather’s turn. The unbeaten 40-year-old — wearing white pants, a white T-shirt, white shoes and a white cap — walked out to Phil Collins’ In The Air Tonight.

Loud boos greeted the announcement of his name. While McGregor was clear crowd favourite at today’s weigh-in, he may not necessarily enjoy the same level of support at the fight.

Tickets remain on sale for the event, which is expected to be watched by a record-shattering global audience.

Many of the Irish fans who were at the weigh-in are likely to watch the fight at one of the closed circuit venues around the city. McGregor will carry their hopes on his shoulders as he attempts to produce one of the biggest upsets in combat fighting history.

Conor McGregor punches his heart and thanks his fans after his face-off with Floyd Mayweather. Photo: Getty Images

“You will never beat the Irish,” McGregor said.

“That is it. You can’t beat us. We role in and we take over wherever we want. Las Vegas is Ireland now.”

Mayweather was nonplussed when asked about the weight of support behind McGregor. The 40-year-old has come out of retirement to take the fight against McGregor and many have suggested a defeat would not only damage his unblemished record, but tarnish the sport of boxing.

In his prime he was the undisputed king of the sport but he hasn’t fought for two years and there are some who rightly question whether his skills may have diminished given his age and ring rust.

Despite those concerns, he remains a lopsided favourite to win the fight. A McGregor win would be devastating for bookmakers, who stand to lose millions should the Irishman secure an upset victory.

“The fans can’t fight for you,” he said.

“It comes down to the competitors. The fans cannot fight for you. 49 times I went out there — it was one on one. It won’t go the distance, mark my word.”

And here is @TheNotoriousMMA at his very best. #MayweatherMcGregor pic.twitter.com/UDNhqs3O3d

— Brent Read (@brentread_7) August 25, 2017

McGregor’s rise from obscurity has become a source of fierce national pride to many in Ireland. He was battling to make ends meet only a few years ago but a series of spectacular wins in the octagon have made him the biggest name in mixed martial arts.