Tyson Fury on Conor McGregor: UFC star made me want to watch MMA

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Conor McGregor is preparing for his featherweight title fight with Jose Aldo
Tyson Fury believes McGregor has copied his trash talking and beard
Heavyweight champion admits McGregor made him want to watch MMA
McGregor vs Aldo: All you need to know about this title fight

By JOE STRANGE FOR MAILONLINE

Published: 07:23 EST, 9 December 2015 | Updated: 10:10 EST, 9 December 2015

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Tyson Fury believes Conor McGregor copied his outspoken persona - and grew a beard like him - to become one of the biggest stars in UFC.

McGregor faces Jose Aldo in a much-anticipated fight in Las Vegas on Saturday as he bids to unite the featherweight division and put his rivalry with the Brazilian to bed.

But Fury, who last month defeated Wladimir Klitschko to become world heavyweight boxing champion, insists the Irishman has used him as his inspiration.

Conor McGregor, pictured on Jimmy Kimmel Live, is preparing to face Jose Aldo in Las Vegas on Saturday

Heavyweight champion Tyson Fury believes McGregor has copied him to become one of UFC's big stars

Speaking on Monday's The MMA Hour, Fury said: 'I am familiar with a man named Conor McGregor. I think he copied me in everything he does.

'I was the first trash talker - big time - in these shores, first one in Ireland. Then all of a sudden, he started copying me, this Conor McGregor guy.

'I grew a big beard. He grew a big beard. I talk bulls*** about everybody, he starts talking bulls*** about everybody. And it worked for the heavyweight champ of the world. It must work for Conor McGregor, some guy who's like 140 pounds or whatever he is.'

Despite some negative accusations towards McGregor, Fury insists that he likes the 27-year-old and even credits him for his desire to watch MMA.

McGregor is gearing up for his featherweight title fight with Aldo, which takes place at UFC 194 this weekend

Fury admits that McGregor, pictured in action against Dustin Poirier, has made him want to watch MMA

Fury said: 'No, I am a fan of his. He's copied my style. I better admire him for it. I've never met him, but the guy is a very entertaining character.

'Conor McGregor got me actually physically watching MMA and wanting to check the results. Because the way he was carrying on, I thought "this guy has definitely got a bit of myself in this guy. I want to check him out".

'I saw the fight with the (Chad) Mendes guy, the interim champion and I will be watching the (Jose) Aldo fight because he's got a lot to say, hasn't he?'

Tyson Fury Conor Mcgregor