Watch: McIlroy lauds McGregor's mental toughness

Conor McGregor's exploits at a Tuesday press conference earned him some glowing praise from Rory McIlroy.

A day after "The Notorious" shared a stage with Floyd Mayweather for the first time ahead of their blockbuster boxing match, the Irish golfer told the media McGregor's mental fortitude - all trash talk and comical quips aside - is second to none.

"He's probably one of the mentally strongest people in sport right now," McIlroy said. "I've watched a lot of Conor McGregor's press conferences and stuff, not just for the ... comical factor, I guess, but more, mentally, he's so strong. He says, 'I see what happens in my mind,' and it happens."

McGregor has made a habit of breaking out his all-seeing "Mystic Mac" alter ego before walking the walk in the Octagon, a trait McIlroy commended.

"The mental game in golf is obviously massive, and the mental game in what they do, not being intimidated and seeing what's going to happen in your mind before it actually does in anticipation, it's massive. I think, from where he was four years ago to where he is now, not just of the stature and the brand and all that, but just his mindset. You listen to his interviews and you listen to what he actually says, and you delve deeper into those thoughts, mentally he's very very strong."

The golfer's glowing estimation of McGregor is of little surprise, considering the UFC lightweight champ was cashing welfare checks just a handful of years ago and now stands to make $100 million for an August dance with Mayweather he essentially willed into existence.