McGregor predicts UFC 205 will break PPV record with over 2 million buys
The bold predictions of "Mystic Mac" don't just apply to the Octagon.
Conor McGregor has headlined two of the three highest-selling pay-per-views in UFC history with a pair of thrillers against Nate Diaz at UFC 196 and 202. In just under a month, he'll co-star in another marquee matchup when he challenges lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez at UFC 205 on the biggest and brightest stage of them all, Madison Square Garden.
In the latest of his history-making aspirations, the reigning featherweight king sees the November event's buyrate shattering the record 1.65 million he and Diaz set in their latter matchup.
"I’m almost certain we’re talking the two million mark," McGregor said, according to MMAjunkie's Mike Bohn. "I feel it will break the two million mark. That’s what I’d like, and then go from there."
The card has much more going for it than the Irishman's inherent knack for promoting his own fights. UFC 205 marks the promotion's first visit to New York City, and the matchmakers stacked the bill accordingly, booking an unprecedented three title fights for the six-bout main card. As far as McGregor sees it, the event's star power, the UFC's hefty investment therein, and the years-long anticipation of the promotion finally gracing the Big Apple will make UFC 202's numbers look like chump change.
"(It will break the record) 100 percent - I think the money is there. For UFC 202, they backed it with no money. UFC 200 is where the advertising dollars went. UFC 202 was worth double what they spent in advertising dollars. UFC 202 broke the pay-per-view record with very little push. A very, very weak undercard. Now you have me, you have New York, you have history, and you have many factors. They’re pushing the advertising dollars on it."
Of course, the record-setting buyrate isn't the only prediction the Irishman has made for UFC 205. "Mystic Mac" hijacked the event's press conference to declare he would dethrone Alvarez by first-round knockout to become the promotion's first simultaneous two-division champion.
McGregor's foresight will be tested on Nov. 12.