WATCH: Conor McGregor and Ariel Helwani have a laugh after the latter reminds 'The Notorious' about Shredded Joe's
Conor McGregor recently hosted veteran journalist Ariel Helwani at his pub in Dublin, Ireland, known as The Black Forge Inn. During their conversation, Helwani brought up an old memory of the Irishman telling him about his dream of opening a restaurant one day and calling it Shredded Joe's.
While McGregor is undoubtedly among the most accomplished athletes in the world, he is particularly proud of his pub. 'The Notorious' is always eager to promote his establishment on social media and showcase any recent upgrades or enhancements.
While The Black Forge Inn is now synonymous with the Irishman, it seems he initially wanted to venture into the restaurant business. Conor McGregor was reminded of this by Ariel Helwani during their recent conversation. Helwani recalled what McGregor told him the first time they spoke over ten years ago and said:
"The first time we ever spoke, February 2013, you told me that one of your dreams was to open your own restaurant. Do you remember what the name was supposed to be?... Ten years later, it's not Shredded Joe's."
While having a hearty laugh over the old memory, McGregor chimed in, saying:
"Shredded Joe's. Still shredded... It's not a restaurant, it's a public house with restaurant quality food."
Watch the interview below (2:30):
Conor McGregor praises "warrior" Nate Diaz, backs Stockton native to beat Jake Paul
While visiting Dublin, Ariel Helwani traveled to The Black Forge Inn to meet with Conor McGregor for a Matchroom exclusive interview.
During their interview, Helwani asked the Irishman about his relationship with Nate Diaz and why he's backing his former rival to beat Jake Paul in their upcoming boxing match. The two men have shared the octagon twice, with Diaz winning the first bout and McGregor redeeming himself in the rematch.
Graciously recognizing the competitive, yet respectful relationship between them, Conor McGregor praised the Stockton slugger and his elder brother for their accomplishments in the octagon. Backing Diaz to beat Paul, he stated:
"It's competitive, but it's always been respect. How could you not respect the Diaz brother and their resume in the fight game? Real fighters... I've spent... 40 minutes inside the cage with the lad. It's always going to be respect for that... He gave me the rematch instantly, that's commendable. That's real warrior stuff."
Predicting Nate Diaz vs. Jake Paul, Conor McGregor added:
"I fancy him [Diaz] to be honest... I just think Nate's going to be peppering him and being in his face. I just think it should be Nate and it will be Nate."