Boxer Ryan Garcia did not hold back when the topic of MMA icon Conor McGregor came up during his recent appearance on Chris Williamson’s podcast.
When Williamson asked Garcia about McGregor’s current path, the boxer admitted he worries the former UFC champion may have realized certain lessons too late in his career.
“It’s one of those ones that, you know, did he learn too late?” Garcia said. “I want him to be back though. I want him to be back, but I also know it’s a little tougher to rebound [at his age of 35].”
Even with uncertainty surrounding McGregor’s comeback, Garcia made it clear he still deeply respects him and hopes the personal changes McGregor has spoken about are genuine.
“He’s one of those people that’s an icon to his sport,” Garcia said. “And I want whatever path he’s on now to be real. If it’s his path with God and if he’s found faith and that’s where he feels like his motivation is driving, hopefully it’s real. I want whatever he’s going to do, I want it just to be real.”
Garcia also reflected on how he believes McGregor’s public persona should have evolved as he transitioned from young superstar to veteran icon.
“I feel like there should have been an evolution in it,” Garcia explained. “Like you start off this young guy, Conor talks a lot of stuff. Then you become this legend, and he becomes this OG, and the OG has to be more calm and more stoic. Like I’ve done this long enough, watch what I do. With a little bit of trash talk, but then it just kept on going. There should be some type of evolution there.”
Garcia then revealed he once had a tense real-life interaction with McGregor during a formal event.
“He actually came and confronted me at an event while I was with my wife and it was just crazy,” Garcia recalled. “About a year and a half ago. And I still remember that. It’s like, bro, we’re all in suits, calm down, what are you doing? Like, be professional buddy. It reminded me of the movie Southpaw, you know, when he gets confronted and then she ends up getting sh*t. Like bro, you need to chill.”
Despite the criticism, Garcia ended his comments on a positive note, saying he still wants to see McGregor succeed before his fighting career is over.
“I just wish the best for that guy,” Garcia said. “I want to see him win one more good match. If he just does that, I’m cool. Legacy saved.”
[Editor’s Note: Quotes have been edited for clarity and readability.]
