Malignaggi: 'Lot of violence' in McGregor sparring sessions

Conor McGregor is facing the greatest challenge of his career when he makes his professional boxing debut against the undefeated Floyd Mayweather on Aug. 26.

However, according to one of the Irishman's primary sparring partners, Paulie Malignaggi, he's making significant strides in the ring.

"I think the intensity Conor's reaching is starting to show in the hard work he's put into camp," Malignaggi told ESPN's Brett Okamoto. "I think he's getting better and better. I really felt improvements from two weeks ago to now ... I do see a guy who is implementing more and more of what they want to do in their game plan."

Malignaggi, a now-retired former two-division boxing champion, said his sessions with "Notorious" have been intense - the latest taking place Tuesday.

"Lot of violence," Malignaggi said. "I went in there to prove a point. I didn't like the fact I had to fly across the country on Monday, and they have me scheduled for 12 (rounds) on Tuesday. I thought it was a little bit of a setup.

"Usually all sparring is private. I show up at the UFC headquarters and (former owner, Lorenzo) Fertitta is there. (UFC president) Dana White is there. So, I'm thinking these guys are thinking they'll catch me right off the flight, set me up for him to look good in front of his audience. I didn't like that. I kind of went in with a chip on my shoulder."

McGregor's competitiveness is rivaled only by his propensity to get under the skin of his opponents. But while Malignaggi won't call McGregor a friend, he said the two are developing a "mutual respect."

"We're like, I think the gist from Conor is we're like 'frenemies.' I think somewhere in the middle," he said.

"I don't think we're going to be best friends any time soon, but there was a lot more mutual respect after that kind of work last night," Malignaggi said. "It was a lot more intense than the first one."