Conor McGregor is arguably the most popular fight in the UFC today, despite his most recent fight being a loss to Nate Diaz at UFC 196. McGregor will rematch Diaz this August at UFC 202.

Last week it was revealed that McGregor was one of three combat sports athlete’s selected to appear in this year’s ESPN’s ‘Body Issue’. Today the magazine released this behind the scenes video of his photoshoot along with an interview with McGregor:

The left paw has done me well over the years. I’m not a scientist, I’m a martial artist. I did do one of those sport science things where they measured the time and my reaction. But all of that really means nothing in there. I think timing is the key — surprise and timing. If you can master those two, you don’t necessarily need brute force to put a man down. You place the correct shot at the correct time, you will put a man down.

Right now, I’m focusing on my skills, because the skills is what pays the bills. I’m also focused on my cardiovascular training. But you know, ask me tomorrow and it will be something else I’ll become obsessed with. I’m just looking to learn, grow, stay focused and become a better fighter and a better athlete.

I tell you what, them Irish genes are good. They’ve served me well. We are made tough. We are made of steel. So I have no doubt the blood in my genes, the Irish blood in me has definitely stood me. My family’s lineage, we are warriors. The McGregor clan, we are warriors all through. We are famous all through the world for our fighting capabilities of all generations. So I have no doubt that’s stood to me and that led me down this path and gave me what I have.

source: espn.com