Conor Anthony McGregor is an Irish professional boxer and mixed martial artist. He is also the former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) lightweight and featherweight champion and the most internationally known MMA fighter in the world right now.
Considered by fans and critics alike as the greatest MMA fighter ever, he is also one of the great success stories. He started from the bottom, and now he sits at the top of the game. He is someone who personifies dedication, hard work, discipline, and the constant pursuit to be the best at his craft.
He is also the highest pay-per-view (PPV) draw in MMA history, having headlined 4 out of the 6 biggest-selling UFC pay-per-view events.
Here are some of the most notable Conor McGregor quotes and sayings that explore his thoughts and views regarding self, mindset, success, and many more.
Fun fact: He once collected welfare checks just weeks before cashing in millions for his UFC debut.
Table of Contents
Most Iconic Conor McGregor Quotes
Start with the classics—the lines that made headlines, sparked memes, and defined a generation of fight fans and dreamers.
We’re not here to take part, we’re here to take over!
— UFC 189 Post-Fight Interview, 2015
Doubt me now.
— Instagram Post, 2018
I stay ready so I don’t have to get ready.
— Press Conference, 2016
Timing beats speed. Precision beats power.
— UFC 178 Press Conference, 2014
Why they resonate:
These quotes became battle cries for underdogs everywhere. McGregor’s fearless approach to life and competition makes these words memorable and deeply motivating.
Conor McGregor Quotes on Mindset & Mental Toughness
No one embodies mental grit like McGregor. Here’s how he talks about building an unbreakable mind:
There’s no talent here, this is hard work. This is an obsession.
— The Notorious Documentary, 2017
The more you seek the uncomfortable, the more you will become comfortable.
— Press Interview, 2019
Nothing good ever comes from worrying or sitting there feeling sorry for yourself. Keep positive and keep pushing on and things will turn good.
— Twitter, 2014
Context:
McGregor’s story proves that raw determination and focus can outshine natural talent. He’s open about facing discomfort, using every setback as fuel for growth. These insights are especially relevant to anyone battling doubt or adversity.
Conor McGregor Quotes on Success & Ambition
McGregor’s pursuit of greatness is relentless—his words reflect a philosophy anyone can learn from:
I am cocky in prediction. I am confident in preparation. But I am always humble in victory or defeat.
— UFC Embedded, 2015
I’m not going to get somewhere and say, ‘OK, I’m done.’ Success is never final; I’ll just keep on going.
— Interview with BT Sport, 2016
Excellence is not a skill. Excellence is an attitude.
— Instagram, 2017
Visualize it, speak it, work for it.
— Press Conference, 2015
Interpretation:
His words push us to see success as a journey, not a destination, and to bring relentless focus and positivity to every challenge.
Conor McGregor Quotes on Confidence & Self-Belief
McGregor’s legendary self-assurance isn’t just for show—it’s the engine behind his success.
I am not talented, I am obsessed.
— Press Interview, 2015
I just use my confidence, my swagger, to carry me through.
— Interview with Ariel Helwani, 2015
You might win some, you might lose some. But you go in, you challenge yourself, you become a better man, a better individual, a better fighter.
— The Mac Life Interview, 2017
To do anything to a high level, it has to be total obsession.
— The Notorious Documentary, 2017
Why it matters:
For McGregor, self-belief isn’t arrogance—it’s a form of self-respect and a refusal to be limited by others’ expectations.
Conor McGregor Quotes on Hard Work & Discipline
Perhaps McGregor’s most important lesson: nothing beats relentless effort.
You can’t fear success and I think a lot of people do… There’s no such thing as talent, it is all obsession and hard work.
— Joe Rogan Experience Podcast, 2017
I keep having vivid dreams of success. Then it’s time to sleep.
— Twitter, 2014
Win or learn. That’s how I see it.
— UFC 196 Post-Fight Interview, 2016
Always look to learn. Learning something new is a great feeling. The feeling of progress.
— Instagram, 2016
Takeaway:
McGregor reminds us that achievement is earned, not given. His quotes emphasize the value of learning, adaptability, and outworking the competition.
Why McGregor’s Words Resonate
Conor McGregor’s quotes aren’t just about fighting—they’re about fighting for yourself, your dreams, and your future. Whether you’re stepping into a ring or facing a challenge at work or in life, his words offer a jolt of motivation and a blueprint for mental strength, resilience, and ambition.
