“Shock of the workload…” Conor McGregor reveals hardships of being highest-paid debutant Hollywood actor

Conor McGregor has done it all: double champion, businessman, family man, avid MMA promoter. Even a political aspirant – you name it! Now, away from active participation, McGregor starred as Knox in Road House – a remake of the 1989 cult classic starring Patrick Swayze. He is the main nemesis to Hollywood actor Jake Gyllenhaal’s Elwood Dalton. It also has a UFC connection, with Dalton being an outcast fighter.

McGregor and co-star Gyllenhaal have done social media rounds ahead of the official theatrical premiere of the remake. For this, the Irishman stunned the Hollywood red carpet with a $692,000 outfit. He might now be sporting an 18-karat gold pinstripe suit and a ‘Prope­r 12’ grand ring accessory. But the whole experience has remained more humbling than ever. This is what he told Jake Gyllenhaal:

So as far as like challenges, what a normal rising actor would get, it's not comparison...for me...it was almost the shock of the workload of it. You know, you're talking 15 hour days, even 18 hour days...and then you've got a few hours rest now, back in. That just took me by surprise.

Conor McGregor to Jake Gyllenhaal via GQ Sports

Putting Hollywood on alert with his acting debut titbit, McGregor has strived hard towards the goal. Gyllenhaal filmed scenes with UFC veteran Jay Hieron at UFC 285 in March 2023. However, none of McGregor’s on-screen encounter takes place inside the octagon. While the outdoor routine and grind were jarring, he feels “blessed” to have worked on the project.

During his Red Carpet backstage appearance, Conor McGregor revealed that he had stayed humble during the experience. Meanwhile, Gyllenhaal lauded his humility as a beginner in the industry. While the actor had to make adjustments to play a UFC fighter, McGregor’s journey was the opposite, stepping into acting.

Conor McGregor stuns co-star Jake Gyllenhaal with iconic one-liner about his success

Former 2-division champ and Hollywood’s highest-paid debutant Conor McGregor is out to make his mark again. A new version of the 1989 film starring Patrick Swayze premiered recently with Jake Gyllenhaal as the lead and McGregor as the antagonist. It’s a role that has fans bubbling over him, where he played something similar to his unhinged and raw-self personification in the octagon.

Doug Liman directed Road House. JJ Hook, Alison Winter, Aaron Auch, and Paradigm Sports founder Audie Attar are producing. McGregor joins the star-studded lineup of Daniela Melchior, Jessica Williams, Lukas Gage, Hannah Love Lanier, and others. It has a UFC element, with the lead playing a washed-up/outcast fighter.

Live scenes were filmed following the UFC 285 ceremonial weigh-in at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. With Dana White, play-by-play announcer Jon Anik, and others in tow. Hence, during a recent GQ Sports sit-down, Gyllenhaal deliberated on McGregor’s MMA trajectory and success in light of the fight element. Check out his stunning and witty comeback to the same:

Consequently, this isn’t the only instance of the duo quipping with the co-star. Notwithstanding that, Conor McGregor’s aura and gravity over the MMA community is a sight to behold.

McGregor attended the Road House World Premiere during SXSW at The Paramount Theater in Austin, Texas. He dazzled the crowd; both fight fans and unlike. The Irishman’s performance in the film received praise from the fans upon the streaming release.

In case you missed it:

• Conor McGregor’s return could be for 3 rounds after admission to ring rust
• ‘OG’ Roadhouse star claims Jake Gyllenhaal and Conor McGregor’s fight scenes are ‘humorous’

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