Was there ever any question over Conor McGregor's ability to excel in the New York City spotlight?
Sure, the glare is a few watts brighter in the Big Apple, but part of McGregor's success comes from the way in which he steps into the beam, no matter how intense.
Not only does McGregor embrace that role, he almost seems to need it. And as he prepares for his Saturday bout with Eddie Alvarez at UFC 205, he's having himself a time on the town.
"There's so much going on in the city right now. So much buzz," McGregor said Thursday at a news conference attended by Bleacher Report. "I mean, I'm just trying to enjoy it and embrace it. ... The city has treated me amazingly. They've been showing me a lot of love."
This from the guy who hopped into Thursday's presser wearing a full-length white mink coat and what appeared to be red pajamas. This came minutes before he brandished a chair at Alvarez, nearly inciting a very well-publicized brawl.
It seems he's taking advantage of the public fish bowl.
"I'm driving around, having fun, training, shopping, just living my life, preparing for another contest," McGregor said.
And not just any kind of driving. The featherweight champion has been using a custom-made Rolls-Royce to tour Manhattan all week. You know, the one with his face and name painted on it.
Wait, correction: There are now two Rolls-Royces.
"One Rolls for each gold belt," McGregor said at the press conference, in reference to the two UFC titles he'll own if he can capture Alvarez's lightweight title on Saturday. "I've just been driving around embracing the city."
We'll see what, if any, impact the city's diversions will have on McGregor when he faces Alvarez on Saturday. As of Friday afternoon, McGregor is a -155 favorite (bet $155 to win $100), according to Justin Hartling of Odds Shark.
Lick them they're spotless pic.twitter.com/cNUuzMfgBs
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) November 11, 2016
Saturday night is undoubtedly a work night for McGregor. But until then, it's all fun and games.
"That's what I do," he said. "It's the Mac life."
Scott Harris is live in New York City for UFC 205. For more updates, follow Scott on Twitter. All quotes obtained firsthand.
