Conor McGregor speaks during a UFC 202 news conference on July 7 in Las Vegas. . Photo / AP
Conor McGregor speaks during a UFC 202 news conference on July 7 in Las Vegas. . Photo / AP
UFC star Conor McGregor has made a dramatic change to his training regimen for his rematch with Nate Diaz, adopting a military-style prep based on discipline.
McGregor is known for his spontaneous approach to fight preparation, with sessions - including late at nights - when the mood hits.
But the Irishman's coach John Kavanagh has revealed a change in McGregor's approach this time around after his shocking defeat in the first match with Diaz at UFC 196, according to news.com.au.
Kavanagh has told ESPN's Five Rounds podcast that fans will see an "Olympic champion" grade fighter when McGregor enters the ring at UFC 202 in August.
Dana White, centre, stands between Nate Diaz, left, and Conor McGregor. Photo / AP
"If I was to sum it up, there's order to this training camp. There's no chaos," said Kavanagh.
"Everything is very disciplined, very military-style. Beforehand, it was kind of done on Conor's whim, how he felt on a certain day.
"This training camp has been based on cycles. Every day, we start at 1pm sharp. In the evenings, we do cardio training.
"Everything is measured, nothing is left to 'How you feeling?' We have a performance doctor taking care of the performance side of things, I'm taking care of the fighting side of things, everybody is working together and nothing we've done before comes close to comparison for this one.
"The last couple of weeks there has been a real level of growth to what he has been able to do.
Nate Diaz speaks in Las Vegas. Photo / AP
"Now, he really is a truly elite athlete.
"He has always been an incredible fighter but he's now training like a true Olympian-style champion - for me, that's a scary combination."
McGregor, who claimed the featherweight title at UFC194, entered the bout against the heavier Diaz as an overwhelming favourite but was submitted in the second round.
Kavanagh says McGregor's legacy is on the line this time and it's a bigger fight than when McGrogor beat Jose Aldo for the championship.
"I really feel this will sum up a lot of what the gym stands for and of course, Conor's legacy as well," he said.
