Conor McGregor is just one win away from claiming a UFC title. Back in 2008, the then-19-year-old MMA newcomer predicted as much.

Assuming the champ can fight on despite a rib injury, McGregor (17-2 MMA, 5-0 UFC) meets dominant featherweight titleholder Jose Aldo (25-1 MMA, 7-0 UFC) in UFC 189’s pay-per-view headliner, which takes place July 11 at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Garden Arena.

The stacked event (check out an extended preview below) is one of the year’s biggest cards, and McGregor has emerged as one of the organization’s biggest stars.

Soon after his pro debut in early 2008 and just prior to his emergence in Cage Warriors, the now-26-year-old title challenger discussed his goals for his burgeoning MMA career.

“My dream is to be world champion in the UFC,” he said. “And I will be. Guarantee it.”

Check out the video above.

And for more on UFC 189, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.

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