“You Could Call That My Very First Accurate Prediction” – Conor McGregor Recalled First ‘Mystic Mac’ Moment in Coach John Kavanagh’s Book

“A good coach can change a game. A great coach can change a life.” This is one of the most popular sayings about coaches. And in Conor McGregor‘s case, this is absolutely true. John Kavanagh served as an ideal anchor that ‘The Notorious’ needed in his life when he was stepping into the world of MMA. And they have kept their bond strong and healthy over the years, stuck by each other like glue. Moreover, Kavanagh holds a reputation for being the guru of mixed martial arts in Ireland, and his contribution to shaping Conor McGregor as a fighter has been enormous. And the UFC superstar has acknowledged this fact in various instances.

As a matter of fact, the Irishman talked about the origin of his moniker “Mystic Mac” in John Kavanagh‘s book. And again, even for this, the credit goes to Coach Kavanagh there.

When Conor McGregor became Mystic Mac

Conor McGregor is often referred to as “Mystic Mac” since he used to foretell things. Not just the fights, but his life as a whole. And in John Kavanagh‘s book, Win or Learn: MMA, Conor McGregor and Me: A Trainer’s Journey, the UFC superstar talked about what originated that nickname. And turns out, it was meeting his coach himself.

In the book, McGregor stated, “I may have been able to throw a punch before I set foot in Straight Blast Gym, but compared to an experienced martial artist like him, I was a novice with a long road ahead of me. But I knew I was working with a man who could guide me in the right direction.”

The Irishman further talked about his coach and the respect he has for him. “That’s exactly what John did and, ten years later, that continues to be the case. I believed from an early stage that this man could take me to where I wanted to go. I suppose you could call that my very first accurate prediction.” said McGregor.

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Kavanagh, 45, met Conor McGregor when he was 16. And he has been by McGregor‘s side up until this point when he is the richest UFC fighter in the world.

The genius of John Kavanagh

In an old interview, “The Notorious” can be seen talking about John Kavanagh and his contribution in shaping him up as a complete fighter. McGregor said, “I’ve been with John (Kavanagh) since day one, you know, with my coach. He’s a genius when it comes to this thing, when it comes to unarmed combat.”

Talking about Kavanagh’s combat skills, McGregor continued, “You wouldn’t know. Looking at him, he’s a small guy, you know what I mean. But he’d tie you up in a ball. He knows the human frame like no other.”

He further added what sets Kavanagh apart for him, “But again, he builds my confidence, makes me feel like I’m better, makes you feel like you’re better than you are… He’s actually trying to do that. You know what I’m saying, like, not too forward like, but, building up your confidence on a subliminal level. That’s what a good coach can do.”

And both of them have been on each other’s side through thick and thin. They make for one iconic duo the world knows of. It is safe to say there would be no Conor McGregor without John Kavanagh. At least not the one we know of as a fighter.

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