Considering their wholly contrasting personalities, comparisons between Carl Frampton and Conor McGregor seem well shy of the mark.
The only true similarity between the pair, perhaps, is that both are world class Irish fighters, standing atop of their respective crafts.
In America, however - a nation which has embraced McGregor as a bona fide crossover sporting star - the parallels are bound to be drawn. Frampton is after all the second Irish fighter in as many years to make waves Stateside, and is fast establishing himself as a household name following his blood-and-thunder scrap with Leo Santa Cruz last July. Add to this the fact that 5,000 feverish Irish fans will descend upon the MGM Grand once more on Saturday night; a familiar sight at a familiar site for those who have followed The Notorious' UFC career.
The famously modest WBA World featherweight champion, however, is quick to pinpoint the differences between his own approach and that of McGregor, who he suggests remains in a league of his own in terms of global appeal and stardom.
For one thing, 'The Jackal' remains humble to a fault, and though he speaks well, rarely initiates thrash talk (although Chris Avalos may beg to differ). Despite a whilly different approach to the verbal side of his sport, he remains fond of his Irish MMA equivalent.
Over in Las Vegas, Frampton told Kevin Byrne in the Irish Sun that though he's yet to meet the UFC trend-setter, McGregor has been in contact with him in the past to wish him luck ahead of a number of fights.
I feel that McGregor stands alone. He’s a huge name all over the world. He’s a massive star, someone who I admire a lot.
I’m pretty happy with what I’m doing and the fanbase I have. We’re completely different characters.
McGregor is doing his thing. But fair play to him. He seems to be raking it in, and why not?
He’s never been to a fight of mine but he’s watched me a few times. He’s sent me a few video messages, privately, just to wish me luck in fights.
He’s a good guy. He has this persona but he’s playing the game, and fair play to him.
In contrast to 'Mystic Mac's big-fight buildups, the chat leading up to Frampton's rematch with Santa Cruz has been extremely cordial. There's an undeniable sense that, regardless of Saturday's outcome, this will be a rivalry discussed for years into the future, and an unbreakable friendship between two warriors who grew fond of each other even before they threw down initially last July.
Frampton's full interview, including his take on Santa Cruz and the perceived pressures of emulating his manager Barry McGuigan, can be read here.
