EDDIE ALVAREZ TIPPED his cap to an “incredible” performance by Conor McGregor at UFC 205, but the defeated lightweight champion blamed stupid tactics which cost him his title.
Alvarez chose to engage McGregor in the stand-up game and was dropped three times in the first round before the Dubliner pounced for a TKO finish 3:04 into the second.
“It was foolish, I’ll be the first one to admit,” Alvarez told reporters in Madison Square Garden afterwards.
“That was not my intention going into that fight. That was stupid, it was foolish, and I paid for not sticking to the gameplan. That was not the gameplan.”
The iconic New York fight venue saw McGregor make history as the first man to simultaneously hold belts in two UFC weight divisions.
As per usual, there were plenty of travelling Irish fans in the sold-out MSG Arena and Alvarez admitted that it had been difficult to hear instructions as he sought to bounce back from his rocky start.
“It was very loud in there and it was very hard for me to hear my corner. I heard a couple of things and I was just saying to them, ‘I got ya, I hear ya.’
“But it was really hard to hear and communicate with my coaches.”
He added: “It was more (McGregor’s) speed. The first time I was dropped, I remember being on my butt and I was like ‘Wow, that was quick – whatever that was, that was fast.’
“But I’ve been there before a lot of times in my career where I’ve been dropped. I don’t panic, I pretty much get my composure and get back up.
“His speed and timing were very good. You can tell that he’s got years of boxing behind him.”
Alvarez was gracious in defeat and described McGregor’s historic achievement as ‘incredible.’
“My hat is off to him. He did a phenomenal job and he continues to do a great job for the sport of MMA.
“I apologise (to my fans),” he added.
“I fought a stupid fight. It wasn’t a good fight, it wasn’t my plan, and I paid for it. He did a good job.”
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He’s a baller tbh great technical player
Side note. Young fella from Cork, Ogbene was on the bench for Brentford. Played with Limerick last year.
I’ve got a feeling that Judge may become Dunphy’s new love child now that Wessi has retired. He’ll be the man with “a bit of guile”!!
@Rory O’Connor: yes a street footballer in the Gilesie mould
Welcome back Alan. Keep it going.