Much was made about Conor McGregor working with movement coach Ido Portal ahead of his featherweight title win against Jose Aldo.
The Notorious is already out in the US working with the movement specialist ahead of his fight with Nate Diaz who replaced Rafael dos Anjos after a broken put ruled him out.
Now the Irishman has put on some serious size since he last stepped into the Octagon at 145lbs – with the champ walking around at 177lbs before he faces Diaz at welterweight.
Portal was speaking to Ariel Helwani on the MMA Hour about how McGregor was moving and training with just days to go before UFC 196.
It sounds like all those steaks have been doing the Dubliner the world of good.
“The first thing is he is happy, eating out and jolly. It’s a huge difference in that the pressure is off.
“Everything is open, all the possibilities are there, he is energised and we can play with a lot more things closer to the fight.
“It’s a huge difference.”
God bless this hard work. I don't care about weight divisions. I'll run through everyone on the roster. #11Days pic.twitter.com/AAd25Rme73
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) February 24, 2016
Helwani asked the Israeli whether the change of opponent had any affect on McGregor’s mindset behind the scenes.
“It was not a big deal. There were a few moments of disappointment with the belt not being on the line any more.
But there was a very quick recalibration and continue on with the plans and just finding out who would be the man. Once that had been determined, everything was on schedule as usual.”
With movement very much now an integral part of McGregor’s fight philosophy, we were surprised to learn that the Irishman hasn’t really studied his opponent.
Portal told the MMA Hour that neither of them had looked at the way Diaz moves as part of their preparations: “It’s not really my game and really Conor doesn’t really look himself much.
Where's fatigue? pic.twitter.com/xGwGew8ekQ
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) February 24, 2016
“You’re aware that they’re southpaw or orthodox or have certain tendencies, but not really dwelling on it. You’d be surprised – in the house there’s no talk about it, there is no planning.
“We’re just having fun, we’re just moving around and were sharpening the tools – all the tools – regardless of opponent, and that really allows Conor to fight different opponents and different weight classes with short notice, again and again and again.”
He added: “We’ve done the last intense day. Now we’re just keeping him sharp. Now, and it’s something that is often ignored, we’re keeping the mindset, keeping the motivation and keeping the fun and everything flowing throughout the day. It’s so he can step in there totally fresh.
Working on the rings today with Ido Portal! pic.twitter.com/1TqQtcc7Vg
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) February 24, 2016
