BOSTON — Go on and hate Dennis Siver. He doesn’t mind.
The spotlight has been shining solely on Conor McGregor leading up to UFC Fight Night 59 at TD Garden. McGregor has gained a loud and dedicated following in his quest to reign supreme in the UFC world, and it certainly will come out in droves to cheer on the Irishman on Sunday night.
To say the crowd will be pro-McGregor likely is an understatement, but this is familiar territory for Siver, who isn’t used to being the fan favorite in many venues in which he fights.
“Dennis has fought against many local heroes in hostile areas over the years,” a translator said for Siver during Friday’s media day. “He actually prefers it this way because when he fights at home, there’s much more pressure on him to perform than when he’s abroad.
“And everybody basically hates him anyway.”
Siver might be playing the role of the villain against McGregor, but he’s comfortable with being identified as such. The boos and heckles won’t rattle the 18-time octagon veteran, as he’s already prepared for the worst from the Garden crowd.
“Dennis thinks he’s going to get booed during the fight, and probably after the fight if he wins as well,” Siver’s translator said. “But it doesn’t matter to him. He’s in unfriendly territory a lot.”
Thumbnail photo via Jayne Kamin-Oncea/USA TODAY Sports Images
