IF YOU WERE wondering if UFC fighters would ever band together and form a union, the case of Conor McGregor’s ‘retirement’ this week shows it’s unlikely to happen anytime soon.
Fighter after fighter has lined up, not to support the Irish featherweight champion, but to offer to take his place on the UFC 200 card.
Jon Jones, who fights this weekend at UFC 197, was among those clamouring for the headline spot on 9 July but the former UFC light heavyweight champion also took time out to respect McGregor’s decision.
“Hats off to him for standing up for what he believes is right.” Jones told Fox Sports on Wednesday.
At the end of the day, business is business and the guy obviously has respect for himself and his talent and fights like this will help fighters in the future. I respect his willingness to fight for what’s right.”
Jones, who faces Ovince Saint Preux for the interim light heavyweight belt on Saturday, also stated his belief that this is far from the last we see of McGregor.
“I don’t think he’s retired. I don’t think he’s going to retire. Just a few days ago on his Instagram he said ‘hungry like day one’ and so a guy like Conor he’s a fighter and he is a winner.
“I don’t think he would want to go out on a loss. I think if he doesn’t fight again, his legacy is really that (Nate) Diaz fight. I’m pretty sure he’ll be back.”
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North Kildare socks please Dev
@kieran horgan: ….yeah, not the worst colours ever put together
Great to see an Irish presence in the squad this week . Last week was the French barbarians.
Great to see Adam Byrne get a shot , Leinster didn’t do him any favours the last while with game time , hopefully he kicks on in Connacht next season
@Michael Uzice: he’s been injured on and off for a long time.
@Michael Uzice: He’s always injured plus he’s had some very good wingers ahead of him James Lowe, Jordan Larmour, Jimmy O’Brien, Rory O’Loughlin who have all been fit
@Chris Mc: granted he has had his injury set backs but a great player when fit Chris .
@Harry O’Callaghan: I’m not disputing who’s ahead of him in pecking order all I’m pointing out is that Leinster management didnt give him much game time lately and he was not injured .
No funny business out of number 1 hopefully!
“Can I play Fly half?”
“Sure, Devin. Sure.”
@Mick O’Shea: I’m wondering if hel try to back heel a conversion.
@Mick O’Shea: Lol!… Shin kick into the car park
@James Daly: I’m hoping he’s practicing his drop-kicks this week :)
Class
Wonder if he’ll win a lineout…against Spain….God love them. They can only hope he’s a long night out