John Kavanagh: Conor McGregor 'Really Enjoying' MMA Again | The MMA Hour

John Kavanagh talks about the challenges of traveling to fights around the world, the stoppage in Johnny Walker's fight with Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 294, Johnny Walker's rematch with Magomed Ankalaev on Jan. 13, the impact of a potential merger between Bellator and PFL, Conor McGregor's potential return and work with PFL star Brendan Loughnan, the changing timeline for McGregor fighting in the UFC, Conor's situation with USADA, his thoughts on McGregor fighting Michael Chandler, reuniting with Dillon Danis, the possibility of Danis in the UFC, the controversy surrounding Ian Machado Garry's exit from Leon Edwards' gym, dealing with big personalities in the gym, how much longer he'll stay in the sport as a coach, his strongest memories from Conor McGregor's career, and more.
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[@Nerd_Who_Lifts]

Coach Kavanagh is a gem. I’ve followed all of his interviews & he always comes off as humble & honest. No matter if Conor wins or loses he always has an honest assessment afterwards.

[@oblique4748]

Honest assessment?! Bit too much to digest.

[@AjayAndrew-bz1qm]

If you see that When khabib said you change your team he was speaking in foresight not hindsight, “hey what happened you change your team you change where you train” The fact coach kavaghna referred to the most celebrated mma star to come out of the UFC as ‘that guy’ literally shows the bridges mcgregor has burnt. And it’s sad. This coach is a proud man not a yes man and will never speak ill of his students he’s always maintained an integrity and awareness of what he says to the public.the fact is McGregor will never go back to ufc. The amount of times he says that guy, is not a person whom he sees as a person who’s close to him. And when he says I trained that guy he made a bunch a money and I’ve trained a few others who have bought houses. I’m trying now to deter other fighters from going professional. He still does his best throughout the interview to show he’s still in contact and friends with Connor, however to refer to him as that guy is literally as the same way as I would refer to a stranger I don’t know

[@PraisetheLawd]

He’s a goof and he trains his fighters to get whooped

[@PB22559]

Kavanaghs a yesman.

[@stephengallagher2209]

He had Conor clearly winning against Poirier before the leg break...

[@GarryM180]

21:44 Conor talk starts - You're welcome

[@lunch77]

Bump

[@dimitrisc8749]

thank you

[@justinb7451]

Thank you good sir

[@alexandar5253]

Thanks man

[@evilmorty8077]

Lmao..was scrolling for this..cheers

[@lauraashleyvail656]

John kavanagh is one of my favorite coaches to listen to talk. So real

[@PraisetheLawd]

Too bad he barely wins, he a goof

[@IronArtists]

​@@PraisetheLawdyou're a goof pal 😅

[@elliottwalsh94]

'if you said how you feel theyd be called talkings not feelings' He said that exact same quote when Ariel interviewed him 6 years ago

[@michaelhill6451]

*cringe*

[@RobertBulldoza]

is it?@@michaelhill6451

[@ryanchavers4650]

Ufc needs to make Kron Gracie vs Dillon Danis asap

[@Torymorgan9]

The weights probably wouldn’t make sense… but I like wear your head is! Maybe do Dillon against Rodolfo Viera

[@siraajuddin736]

Tbf Dillon’s more of a martial artist than Conor is, nowadays

[@levels1752]

@@Torymorgan9now that, is a jiu jitsu special

[@drunkenmmamaster419]

Thought he was the biggest yes man when Conor was on top but coach K does have a great mind for the sport and Johnny Walkers career has had such a positive turn around since he went to Ireland

[@andy1eyva]

him training johnny was actually so random when i noticed him in his corner 💀💀💀 i was like bro is that conors coach training johnny mf walker

[@seanglynn5415]

There's a massive Brazilian population in Dublin and in Ireland. Johnny probably has friends or family here.

[@ots1634]

He lives there and is married to a woman there/from there, no?

[@thegoldensnitch6312]

I don’t think he was a yes man in fact after the Khabib fight John said he would ever train Conor again

[@levels1752]

@@andy1eyvaJohnny used to go to a couple gyms here in Aberdeen, Scotland. He’s really accustomed to uk culture which is so weird that people here know him as our city gets absolutely no light🤣

[@davesullivan4289]

Kavanagh is such a brilliant, humble, humble mind in the sport. Great to hear his words. I wish him all the best

[@robertm3327]

So brilliant when was the last time any of his fighters won

[@94robirob]

He has a lot of fighters my friend. MMA is not only the UFC ;) His fighters won over 70% of their fights this year.@@robertm3327

[@RaptureReadyJesus]

21:40 they start talking about Conor McGregor.

[@SeniorDingDong98]

Thank you

[@sidthekidsc87]

You are a hero.

[@ARESSSWING]

Good man good man

[@CoolPandaTheMovieNerd]

Connor is enjoying it so much he’s never fighting in the octagon again

[@dimitrisc8749]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@flyingviking5281]

When Kavanagh talked about how to corner different fighters, Ariel should’ve asked how Conor likes to be cornered.

[@checotey]

I am 3 minutes into the interview, but I already support your point

[@OkOk-lp5sv]

John kavanagh is a absolute gem 💎 loved worldwide. Even khabib said he respected him.

[@hhour2096]

Nah they had a beef years ago about religion. Khabib doesn’t like him

[@corinacotter6606]

This was an incredible interview!

[@Quanny69]

love from Rathfarnham Dublin 🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪 respect to John kavanagh for what he's done in the sport

[@ParkerPPipe]

Bought win or learn the day it came out. Have always loved John. What he said about bringing a fighter to help him corner to see how they like to be cornered is fing brilliant

[@genghiskhan1836]

Really appreciate his philosophy. In my opinion he is 100% correct safe sparring is key. When u take the ego out it’s a better environment to improve.

[@44dd1]

Hi Ariel, I really enjoyed this interview. John is such a nice guy. And a great guess, always speaks the truth. I'm a long time MMA HOUR fan.

[@dr.loomis4221]

a great guess?

[@awwwwhhhyeahhhh]

​@@dr.loomis4221checks out

[@louisscott3594]

I love coach kav but I feel like every Conor fight he says he loves it again

[@spinningandchilling]

I can mention that Nate is a great coach in SBG for Alta Training. I am looking forward to getting back to the Alta program and have him as a coach once again.

[@JahEerie]

I live a mile from John's family home. Local boy done good 👏👏👏

[@ben61820]

Coach K is one of the last famous but humble and good natured people out there. Grateful to have him around.

[@christineclarke1513]

Nice guy. But top coach apart from been lucky with mcgregor, he's not exactly taking the utd by storm, made Johnnie walker worst.

[@Charlieandersali]

The amateur talk was phenomenal. Loved it. Very unique insight by a very intelligent man.

[@mattevans911]

Could listen to Jonathan all day ☘️

[@joshuaallen7385]

Love Kavanagh.

[@ayou4525]

Legend of a coach what a guy

[@PraisetheLawd]

He’s a goofy

[@urgoodimnot1142]

​@@PraisetheLawdhow

[@ColbyBumington]

@@PraisetheLawdhe’s a goofy 🤦‍♂️

[@levels1752]

The man the myth big Johnny kavanagh! What a boy

[@rsarazindanis]

The biggest yes man coach of all time

[@bradleyleewrenn335]

He’s a coach, wdym

[@bradleyleewrenn335]

He’s a coach, wdym

[@captaindeadpool2655]

No. He's a good coach. He's just not an Elite coach. He definitely got the better end of the deal than Conor.

[@Know3ody]

​@@captaindeadpool2655 why do people like you comme t things like that 💀

[@Real_Iceout]

Ever had a coach? That’s what good coaches do in the public eye.

[@lambsauce9544]

This guy is a saint. Imagine every conversation you had since 2013 just being small talk before the person could finally ask about Conor McGregor

[@johannabandgrenwalsh613]

Well done Ariel for giving Nathan Kelly a shoutout.

[@mcjezzle5271]

I just love Ariel Helwani. He has such a passion for combat sports. His knowledge is almost second to none! I also feel he has a good insight into how to promote too! Watching him speak about UFC 30 Year anniversary and how the UFC didnt appear to put too much emphasis on it and how he would perhaps do this and that, I just thought he has so much to give and could be utilised so well in other areas. Just my thoughts and I dont expect everyone to agree with me. Keep doing what you're doing Ariel. Be blessed 😇

[@nickster3008]

You just said it perfectly they have forgotten the FOUNDING FATHERS

[@stevenkoudanis5238]

John is cool as hell

[@blood_upon_the_rose]

What an absolutely fantastic interview ! Well done 👏

[@jimmymcgoo8641]

Great guy.

[@CrackerBarrelkid555]

What a great guy.

[@lukelocks9083]

A big UK newspaper is today saying CM won't now fight til the summer. Wonder if Chandler will still be flobbing out "It's moving closer/going in the right direction/we're heading there'?

[@Cloud007.]

Excellent

[@altoidosgood]

"Really Enjoying' MMA Again" for the 4th time. How many times do you need to be motivated be in love with the game? This doesn't mean anything anymore.

[@beatricechazwick3996]

This is like a convosation between 2 fans. Seems like as good of a couch as a bloke

[@mattynagle5709]

What a legend 🙌🏼

[@gmr7494]

Conor really enjoying mma again....for the sixth time

[@maluill]

I know right

[@abcbizarre]

Conor should go to bellator or back to cage warriors.

[@Trent_56]

Conor looked and sounded good at the Francis fight!

[@y3andi989]

Gentleman this guy is

[@ryanmccarthy8652]

Bro no one is buying into this whole “Conor is loving MMA again “ BS no more .

[@altoidosgood]

It's evey comeback lol mean abosultely nothing now.

[@baltimoreist]

Seriously does anyone even care about dude anymore?

[@dimitrisc8749]

Exactly. Conor loves booze and coke.

[@gordonanderson2011]

I know right, people are just delusional when it comes to McGregor he's not getting another win in the UFC is just facts

[@abcbizarre]

Conor retired in 2016.

[@ErinJeanette]

I adore John Kavanaugh he seems like a really good dude with a lot of insight.

[@Dean-gt2cr]

Surprised he didn't say this is a new version of Connor we've not seen before for the millionth time...... maybe closer to the fight......if it happens

[@allmightyx7600]

Surprised Aeril is still functional after dealing with Lord Chael

[@dimitrisc8749]

Lord of the flies?

[@fadya.3660]

How many times are we gona hear this story about McGregor "enjoying MMA and fighting" again. He has one foot in the door and one foot out. He's 35 years old, has had serious injuries, and is loaded. He's got no business getting in the cage with serious lightweight or welterweight contenders.

[@gordonanderson2011]

One more ass whooping from chandler should put his other foot out the door if it doesn't he must like losing 😂

[@RobertBulldoza]

yeah... hes not even the same guy anymore

[@logosfocus]

precision beats power, timing beats speed.. ped stack beats training, leveraging usada beats fair testing.. you either win or you learn.. you lose or you cheat

[@user-bg6ws1de9n]

The biggest yes man of all time

[@gamebred6995]

Understandable. Have a great day

[@holzkopf6061]

I think the lack of recognition of the MMA legends is simply due to the sport taking a massive leap in popularity only with/after McGregor. He made it a thing for the broader audience, even the mainstream media. People who follow the sport since before 2016 are a very small minority, I believe.

[@checotey]

why don‘t they include this chapter skipping thing in their videos?

[@elmirbrdar1045]

I swear this time he will get a win. It been the best training camp.

[@mentalglitch9603]

I’ve never seen him this sharp. He’s been a different animal for this one

[@dimitrisc8749]

If not this time then the next one, or the one after the next one. 😂😂😂😂

[@AzamatoTheGreat]

It feels like John says the same things everytime he gets an interview. Conor seems to be enjoying MMA for the last 3 years now... maybe have a fight instead

[@marhier]

I swear Conor has really been enjoying his MMA his last 3 fights.

[@frankiecal3186]

One of the greatest coaches of all time......only produced 1 champion🤣

[@howwedoing9773]

Hes not the greatest coach of all time, but he’s extremely impressive and smart. He’s doing it from a tiny island in Europe with guys who if it weren’t for him would never have a chance to make it to the ufc.

[@frankiecal3186]

@howwedoing9773 He's a good dude but by the way Ariel introduced him you would have thought he was Javier Mendez or Greg Jackson. How many UFC champions have those guys produced.🤯

[@NasirIKLBP]

​@frankiecal3186 Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov - in the next 5 years we will see how many off his students become dominant champions.

[@laszlojanoshorvath8698]

I don't think his in the top 10/15 greatest of all time but maybe before he finishes he will be 👊

[@najimhamed]

When you look up the term “Yes man” , a picture of Coach Kavanagh needs to be there for reference.

[@PraisetheLawd]

And I guarantee it’s a goofy looking picture 🥴

[@King_David_97]

Edward Apecionek meet me one day in Cali bro!

[@brianconneely5920]

The life a a real man is tough

[@damianjohn5995]

Name, one good fighter that has come out of his gym since Connor why is he even relevant at this point and no disrespect but honestly

[@jesseramirez1342]

That’s how you know when you watch it bootlegged or you just talk out of your ass. They literally had Royce speaking at the sit down special with the original people from UFC. I love the mma hour but Ariel being petty gets hella annoying.

[@Tom_Ciccone]

That’s completely different from what they were saying. I bought it and still didn’t see Royce. It’s easy to miss when it’s inbetween the fights. You have the IQ level equivalent to a rock

[@william9922]

You’re not serious right?

[@Reznor440]

Conor McGregor - The Comeback Again....... And maybe another comeback after that

[@bb8328]

And you'll watch both lol

[@dimitrisc8749]

As many comebacks as people pay to watch. 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@praywithoutceasing2966]

Mention your favourite old school mma fighter…. Mine is Igor Vovchanchyn

[@CJH94]

The fact jonny walker and especially anthony smith are being talked about for a title shot just shows how shallow the 205 division is. Its ridiculous. Anthony got beaten up for three rounds by walker who himself was just coming off a 3 fight losing streak...? Wtaf. Sure the heavyweight division is an absolute mess because of jon jones and francis but at least the heavyweight division has a couple of obvious contenders. You could have cyril gane or stipe challenge tom and you can get behind that but anthony smith and jonny walker realistically where at the point of nearly being cut (jonny) and retirement (anthony). They should be at minimum a couple wins away from a title shot theyve both shown theyre not on that level in the last couple years and havent done anywhere near enough to back in the title picture or what do the belts even mean anymore

[@EnergizedShow]

Top of the range show lads

[@AjayAndrew-bz1qm]

When khabib said you change your team he was speaking in foresight not hindsight. The fact coach kavaghna referred to the most celebrated mma star to come out of the UFC as ‘that guy’ literally shows the bridges mcgregor has burnt. This coach is a proud man and will never speak ill of his students he’s always maintained an integrity and awareness of what he says to the public. The amount of times he says that guy, is not a person whom he sees as a person who’s close to him. And when he says I trained that guy he made a bunch a money and I’ve trained a few others who have bought houses. I’m trying now to deter other fighters from going professional. He still does his best throughout the interview to show he’s still in contact and friends with Connor, however to refer to him as that guy is literally as the same way as I would refer to a stranger I don’t know

[@Tony_940]

😂😂😂. He literally referred to the guy who runs the gym with him as “that guy”. Armchair psychiatrist over here lol

[@PraisetheLawd]

Conor IS his team 😂 Kavanaugh barely see’s him and they’re both a couple of goofies

[@oneill765]

​@@PraisetheLawdget a hobby kid 😂

[@PraisetheLawd]

@@oneill765 get a shave Ragnar the Loose Bottom

[@grlfcgombeenhunter2897]

@@PraisetheLawdu are a bit of a dope tbf.

[@Philip_Taylor]

I'm not a fan of this trend where grown men hug each other upon meeting. I know it's just for the camera but at the end of the day what are we doing here?

[@dimitrisc8749]

What do you think we're doing here?

[@slg9752]

So many are so jealous of Connor. Whether you love him or hate him he’s a genius at working the media and his success is off the charts and I’m not talking MMA.

[@briandempsey7582]

Say what you want but everyone wants to see mcgregor back in the octagon smashin heads

[@dimitrisc8749]

Yeah, fantasy VS reality.

[@Visionarymindstudios]

I think Ariel is being hypocritical he’s talking about Jon Jones injury being a mess. Yet praising Conor but it’s holding Michael chandler up

[@Mossskaterhans]

Bellator cannot die. It's so good.

[@slicvm]

The touch butt king

[@ramonbriones4487]

Let me guess super uber duper focused conor is here to stay 😂

[@jborrelli34]

So sick of hearing “Conors excited again!” Actions speak louder

[@nanakmccann]

He wants to fight. The UFC won't let him because of PPV numbers, his contract, and their schedule.

[@AussieGags]

@@nanakmccannTf you talking about? he can't fight because of the drug testing atm, tf you mean ppv numbers hahahahaah

[@mikefreidel9861]

As a long time conor fan i vould careless if he fights or not at this point

[@stephengallagher2209]

Coach Kav needed to be stronger with McGregor... drinking, drugs and the rest in camp, he should have refused to corner him. Long lay-off? Refuse. Then all preparations after Alvares were off-focus, tactics and gameplan horrendous. Would have worked out better if McGregor had had to switch gyms... but Mr. Yes needed hus cut.

[@evanlouanthony]

I had a dream he came back and broke it again. I just hope it doesn’t go like Chris weidmans return…

[@user-ft2zc5or9d]

Oh God lol tell me your dreams haven't came true before

[@DondreDashard]

Funny cus I had a dream Conor came back and sparked Chandler unconscious. Like out cold it was crazy super af a super viral moment

[@dimitrisc8749]

It will.

[@snp9417]

Bro that little guy that asked dana if he can be in the ufc is now a fighter in the pfl? Thats crazyy

[@grlfcgombeenhunter2897]

What’s the crack with the bleeding ads Ariel ffs.

[@larsmonsen88]

All my polish homies watch KSW religiously..Some of them dont even watch UFC.

[@Catfishboy2014.]

Wow I like him. Shocked this guy is BFF with Conor .

[@gamacole5624]

the return is going to shock the world

[@Steeplehammer1]

my arse

[@oliverolsen8077]

4th return now?

[@dimitrisc8749]

If you mean negatively shock us, then yes.

[@weeny1240]

crazy the Dagestani treatment, favourable matchups till a title, dq's to no contests, failing drug tests, weight bullies, fake humble, marry cousins, bully fighters but when get bullied, cry. throw tantrums when decision is a draw, no sportsmanship. Fight twice a year, once in abuDhabi with a -700 odds, other time will be against striker. Think about it. How do you like these guys unless your a Muslim and have the same faith?

[@weeny1240]

@@ADHD55 it’s actually crazy how many layup fights they get, then they fight twice a year for 5 years career done what a legacy

[@grlfcgombeenhunter2897]

That’s a 🎤 drop amazing how many people don’t see thru that giant 🐀.

[@mcconkeymudmotorsports949]

Connor will be 50 by the next fight I swear

[@jaseallenson316]

Please. Dana needs conor for the event in the sphere. The ticket prices for that will be by far the most expensive ufc ticket ever, and dana already said it will be the greatest combat sports event ever. He needs conor on that cardl and as a die hard you may say they dont need him, but the casuals are what a makes an event super successful. And there still is no fighter that moves the needle(relative to casuals, like conor.

[@wesleyharrison9368]

What a cool guy, respect to John Kavanagh

[@noelnoni7310]

Coach always says this and then makes excuses when the results fail to compare

[@JackTenrec-qk4zp]

Kavanagh is not a coach, he never had any control over McGregor, he is a guy who got extremely lucky and he tagged along. McGregor does what he wants when he wants, it is allays been that way, and John is there to keep telling him how great he is, don't forget that John was an opinion that Conor was winning Poriers fights, yet there are some fan boys calling him EXTREMELY HONEST GUY with heaps of INTEGRITY LOL

[@stephengallagher2209]

Conor might be unmanageable, but Kav, as likeable as he is, is definitely a yes-man. His tactical awareness was really found wanting in every fight since McGregor fought Mayweather, except for Cerrone.

[@nickster3008]

This generation under 30 have lost all sense of living feeling and empathy

[@navajo237]

This is the same coach who when Conor was getting beat from pillar to post, vs Dustin 3, told Conor he was doing a wonderful job in between rounds. Couldn't be further from the truth. It was scored a 10 - 8 round on two judges scorecards it went so poorly. He had nothing to offer Conor. I mean... even Bisping called for his firing.

[@scottc2076]

Conor literally landed more strikes that fight. Don’t let bias cloud your judgement

[@navajo237]

​@@scottc2076 Dont let feelings cloud facts. Go back and look at the stats yourself. Conor was outstruck in both the second and third fights with DP.

[@europa1111]

If anyone thinks that round was a 10-8 then stop watching mma, so ridiculous, also we all call for Bispings firing anytime we have to hear him announce.

[@navajo237]

@colbycovington5085 Well, seeing as the scoring criteria supports a 10-8 round, there isn't much to debate. Maybe you can enlighten us as to the amazing advice and technical instructions John gave Conor in between rounds.

[@europa1111]

@@navajo237 Nothing supported a 10-8, it wasn't even close to a 10-8, just stop.

[@tuffneggah]

fun dude but be real, he knows conor is washed

[@johnlawler6476]

Have a shot everytime he says Orlagh

[@nickster3008]

He wasn’t mentioned

[@michaelmashburn6068]

Motivated BJ, i mean Conor

[@ArthurMcdonagh-fk7ke]

John kavanagh

[@CaseyKCRichards]

Forget Anthony Smith… he lost so many times and is just not good enough . Give JOHNNY the title shot.

[@justsayin7744]

So no questions to Conor’s coach about Conor’s body transformation and how it happened?? So totally ignore the juice.

[@wokeupstupid3424]

You could tell he’s disappointed in Danis

[@laezeh473]

bro really bowed at a mma coach 🤣🤣

[@nobodyspecial596]

Very promising what he said about conor. I hope conor has that fire back and wants to compete for greatness. Weather you love him or hate him theres no denying he makes the sport bigger and more exciting

[@jimmyg5102]

He says this every single time

[@nobodyspecial596]

@@talkingedmma they will watch the ppv tho

[@nobodyspecial596]

@@jimmyg5102 he broke his leg bro what do you want him to do lol