What does it really take to become the best in the world in whatever one does? For some, it’s natural talent; for others, it’s all about putting in the hard work. When chess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen shared his mindset with Joe Rogan, UFC star Conor McGregor felt like the former’s words mirrored his own journey.
Conor McGregor Comments on Magnus Carlsen’s Philosophy
Nobody can imagine that there is anything in common between chess and MMA. However, it is often noticed that the mindsets of champions are quite similar, irrespective of their sports and field of work.
Carlsen is considered one of the greatest chess players ever, and he recently shared what makes him different during his appearance on “The Joe Rogan Experience.” It’s not just about spending more time at the chessboard or studying harder than others. It’s a way of life for him.
Referring to his childhood friends, Carlsen said, “The difference between me and the other kids is that they would go to chess practice, they would maybe even do their homework, but they weren’t living and breathing the game in the way that I was. Like, I think about it all the time.”
The grandmaster then gave a hint at what separates him from an average chess professional. “I’m thinking about the game while I’m sitting on this chair. I’m still analyzing a game that I played today, like it never goes completely out of my mind. And I think a lot of very good chess players do that, but like casual chess players, no, of course,” he said.
Carlsen’s obsession goes beyond the usual practice sessions that every player does, and this is something that hit the former UFC champion. McGregor saw a mirror of his own philosophy in Carlsen’s words, and sharing the podcast clip on his Instagram story, “The Notorious” wrote, “It’s that simple to make it. Live and breathe it.”
It’s not surprising to get such a reaction from McGregor. From training in local Dublin gyms to becoming the face of MMA, his passion for fighting has shaped his entire career. He often talked about how he visualizes success, stays mentally prepared, and always believes in himself.
Will McGregor Return to the UFC?
It seems like a completely different timeline when McGregor was “Mystic Mac,” predicting all his wins and making them happen just the way he said they would. Times have changed now, and the former UFC champ is busy with his life away from MMA.
His last fight was in 2021 with Dustin Poirier, in which he broke his leg. Since then, both the UFC and the fighter himself have teased his return multiple times. McGregor was even scheduled for a fight with Michael Chandler after TUF 31 at UFC 303, but it got canceled after “The Notorious” suffered an injury. Now, both fighters are just calling out each other on social media.
Moreover, it seems like McGregor has higher ambitions now. He has been showing interest in politics for the last few years, and during his BKFC presser in March, McGregor potentially hinted at some aspirations towards it.
McGregor said, “I’ve got two fights on the contract, I’m in negotiations. Last week, something happened to me. I went to the White House, and my heart bleeds for my country right now.”
“So there’s a lot of stuff going on back home, I’m happy with what I’ve done. There’s something else for me that’s in my gut right now, and that’s kind of where I’m going,” he added.
Conor McGregor: My comeback will be slated as the greatest comeback or the biggest, most anticipated comeback of all time. So, it has to be right. And right now Ireland is in my thoughts and that’s where I’m at. pic.twitter.com/aJlEfqncm0
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) March 28, 2025
However, the former double champ has also mentioned that he holds every major fight event record, and his return needs to match his worth.