We’re used to Conor McGregor talking a big game before his fights, but there’s something about the words coming out of his mouth in the build-up to UFC 264 that just don’t feel the same. Perhaps that hasn’t been more evident this week than in his interview with ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, which was released Thursday.

McGregor sounded desperate, his words played out, like he’s trying to talk himself into believing that he’s still a 2015/2016 version of himself, which feels like ages ago heading into Saturday night’s highly anticipated trilogy fight against Dustin Poirier with their series tied at one knockout apiece.

A win absolutely is necessary if McGregor is to return to his glory days. Just like before the rematch with Poirier, McGregor’s hunger to be the best (after all, he’s super rich) is being questioned by plenty of pundits. His reaction has been to say things that make you wonder if he truly believes them.

Below are eight ridiculous quotes from McGregor’s interview with Stephen A.