11. The Charisma Inside and Outside the Ring
There is one particular reason why millions of people tune into McGregor’s bouts. Is it to witness him craft his fighting skills inside the octagon? Yes, but other top fighters offer that as well. So, what is it then?
McGregor knows well that as soon as he steps into this MMA business, it is all strictly business. It is not about making friends, but it is simply about being the best. And to get there, you have to beat the rest. McGregor has his own way to let people know that he believes he is the best: smack-talk.
With his smack-talk, he builds his fights way before it starts. One may find it annoying, especially those he roasts, but that is his way of making things interesting. And that lures people in to come and see if he is going to walk the talk.
He once said, “I am cocky in prediction. I am confident in preparation, but I am always humble in victory or defeat.” He may seem cocky outside the octagon (and sometimes inside), but once the fight is over, he respects his opponents.
We give this round to McGregor not because Mayweather is less interesting. But Mayweather has created a less respectful image throughout his career. He was swirling in controversies of criminal convictions and defamation lawsuit.
