UFC 189: Conor McGregor hurls abuse at Chad Mendes during a press conference

Conor McGregor believes Chad Mendes will be an easier fight than Jose Aldo.

The Irish sensation will now fight Mendes for the interim featherweight title on July 11 in Las Vegas after world champion Aldo pulled out with a rib injury.

McGregor, backed by a vociferous Irish support at the pre-fight press conference, insists that Mendes' wrestling ability will not represent the chink in his armour.

He has only been semi-successful against low-par grapplers on the feet otherwise he has looked basic. I look at him as a novice. He throws an overhand right, looks at the floor, and hopes for the best. This is day one beginner’s stuff where I’m from.

McGregor said: "His facial structure will be rearranged. He will have a few scrambles in him, then he will break.

"He has only been semi-successful against low-par grapplers on the feet otherwise he has looked basic. I look at him as a novice. He throws an overhand right, looks at the floor, and hopes for the best. This is day one beginner’s stuff where I’m from.

"He’s a white belt on the mat. In the grappling exchanges he will realise and he will panic. He will run but I will catch him.

"He's in over his head. In the first couple of exchanges, he will know. When I look at him, I see fatigue and inefficiency."

The 26-year-old claims that Mendes replacing Aldo on a fortnight's notice will not change his game-plan.

McGregor believes he is the star attraction for the UFC's landmark event regardless of who opposes him.

"I built this event, this is the McGregor Show," he said. "I will pull the trigger, eliminate my opponent and enjoy every second.

"The ship was sailing smoothly. My coach came into my room at 1pm, I was sleeping, and he told me that Mendes was replacing Aldo. I opened one eye, said “it makes no difference” then went back to sleep.

"My mind is bullet proof, solid as a rock. I’m No 1, so who cares if No 2 steps in place of No 3. It makes no difference who stands opposite the Octagon.

"I will represent my nation with pride and kill this man. He’s a 5’2” twerp who should have kept his mouth shut."

McGregor had parting words for the absent Ado ahead of the UFC's confirmed return to Dublin on October 24.

He refused to rule out the possibility of meeting Aldo in his home country but insisted the Brazilian will want no part of that fight.

"If Jose comes back from the jog he’s gone on then we’ll see but he won’t come back," McGregor said. "He was destroyed in the build-up. He was mentally broken then he became physically broken.

"If Aldo decides to come back, it will be on my terms. He will do as I say."