A new video has surfaced from inside Conor McGregor’s own pub, The Black Forge Inn, showing the former UFC champion casually pouring beers from a machine while chatting with fans. During the interaction, someone asked him about the upcoming Anthony Joshua vs Jake Paul showdown and how Joshua is expected to knock Paul out.

What came next genuinely surprised everyone. Instead of dismissing Jake Paul as he usually does, McGregor responded with a surprisingly measured take. He said that if Jake actually makes that walk, he would have his respect. For a man who has spent years belittling Paul, mocking his resume, and questioning his legitimacy, this shift in tone was unexpected.

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McGregor’s Unexpected Praise for Paul

McGregor didn’t hype Jake’s chances, nor did he backtrack on anything he’s said before. But acknowledging that simply showing up against a powerhouse like Anthony Joshua deserves respect is a major departure from his usual stance.

Historically, McGregor has ridiculed Jake Paul’s boxing career and belittled his opposition. Paul, meanwhile, has repeatedly called out McGregor, even taunting him publicly in hopes of securing a fight. Their feud has always been built on insults, trolling, and ego, which is why this sudden moment of recognition stands out.

The clip spread quickly online because it revealed something fans rarely get from McGregor when Paul’s name comes up: honesty without hostility.

McGregor still believes Joshua will knock Jake out — that hasn’t changed. But for the first time, he separated the likely outcome from the courage it takes to step in with an elite heavyweight. And that simple acknowledgment has already sparked conversation across both the boxing and MMA worlds.

As the fight approaches, fans are now wondering whether McGregor is softening on Paul or if this was just a rare moment of humility from The Notorious.

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