We're just over 24 hours away from UFC189 and Conor McGregor's fight with Chad Mendes. It's quite fittingly so, that today of all days, I finally came to the realisation that the Irish MMA star has learnt everything he knows from current Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew.
No, really. The evidence has been staring us in the face all along.
1. Pardew's dapper fashion sense
For starters, it's as obvious as the nose on our faces that Conor McGregor has styled himself on Alan Pardew
2. His ability to trash talk
Here he is telling Martin O'Neill where to shove it.
And of course, let's not forget his feud with Arsene Wenger.
3. McGregor's striking game has been modeled on Pardew's
Although you're not allowed headbutt in the UFC, we'd like to think McGregor took a lot from seeing Pardew wouldn't back down to any opponent.
4. Both men are great at managing up
McGregor seems to be loved by the powers that be in the UFC and Dana White in particular. He didn't lick it off the ground you know. My theory is he learned these skills from Pardew. A man who managed to deal with Mike Ashley on a daily basis despite many Newcastle friends losing patience with him.
5. His supporters are truly devoted to him
Remember this German woman? She had an even better Tumblr page but unfortunately she seems to have deleted it for some reason.
My favourite pic here is when she pretends he came to visit her hometown.
6. They surround themselves with aggressive, like-minded people
McGregor has Coach Kavanagh and the rest of his team out in the Vegas for the last couple of months. He knows how important it is to surround himself with the right kind of people.
As does Pardew, clearly.
BREAKING: #CPFC are delighted to announce the signing of Yohan Cabaye on a three-year deal. #WelcomeCabaye pic.twitter.com/R1petCwcbq
— Crystal Palace FC (@CPFC) July 10, 2015
7. He can recover well from an early defeat
Pardew had a tough time early in his managerial career with Charlton when they were relegated from the Premier League. However it didn't finish him and he has come back stronger.
It's quite clear Conor McGregor channeled his inner Pardew after losing to Joseph Duffy early in his MMA career.
8. Both men realise the importance of a positive mental attitude
Do not focus on the opponent, focus on your game. Do not invite negativity, do not entertain the possibility of defeat. Smile ... Be happy...
