"I’m not looking past Cole Miller. I’m looking through Cole Miller
because that’s exactly where I’m going on my way to the title." - Conor McGregor
The lines have been drawn and there is going to be a fight in Dublin.
There is no love lost between savvy veteran Cole Miller and rising Irish superstar Conor McGregor, and their war of words has been rolling for months. But the two men are set to settle their feud when the UFC touches down in Dublin, Ireland for first time in five years for Fight Night: McGregor vs. Miller on July 19th, in what is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated fights of the year.
“Notorious” is simmering on the verge of “phenom” status, as his two dominant showings inside the Octagon have kept pace with his colorful personality outside of the cage. The 25-year-old SBG Ireland-trained fighter has put the elite of the featherweight division on notice as he makes his climb toward the top, and Miller is the next challenge standing in his path.
After spending years battling in the lightweight ranks, “Magrinho” made the decision to move to 145 pounds in 2012. Although his initial ventures back into the featherweight fold came with adversity, the American Top Team product sparked an impressive resurgence that has garnered him success in three of his last four showings, including back-to-back wins in his most recent outings. Following his victory over Sam Sicilia back in January, The Ultimate Fighter season five alum called out the surging Irish prospect to back up his talk inside the Octagon.
With their showdown quickly approaching, and ticket sales set to officially open up on Friday, June 6, the UFC held a conference call on Tuesday afternoon to put the spotlight on their upcoming collision. McGregor took center stage to share his thoughts on what he believes will be a virtuoso performance and a historic night for the UFC and Irish MMA.
“It’s going to be a phenomenal experience,” McGregor said. “I’m not sure how many people the O2 Arena holds but I’m sure it’s going to sound like 10 times that amount are in there. I believe the roof is going to blow off the place. From the start of the show ‘til the finish, it’s going to be something special.
“This means everything to me. This media game is a game of repetition, and I’ve said it time and time again: I’m not here to make up the numbers…I’m here to take over. This is going to be the fastest sell-out in UFC history. This is perfect for me. This is what I wanted. These are the ingredients that are going to shoot me to where I’m looking to go, and that is right to the top.
“I’m not looking past Cole Miller. I’m looking through Cole Miller because that’s exactly where I’m going on my way to the title.”