THE BOOKMAKERS MAY have installed him as a slight favourite, but Conor McGregor was very much an underdog in the eyes of his peers for last Saturday’s rematch with Nate Diaz at UFC 202.
McGregor scored a majority-decision victory over Diaz after five thrilling rounds at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, avenging his submission defeat to the same opponent in March.
However, an overwhelming majority of fighters and journalists — this writer included — tipped Diaz to emerge victorious in their pre-fight predicitions. McGregor had obviously paid attention to that consensus and it made the result all the sweeter.
Footage released by The Mac Life shows the UFC featherweight champion — on crutches due to damage sustained to his shin — returning to his changing room after the fight, with his coach John Kavanagh by his side.
It appears to be the sight of UFC middleweight title challenger Dan Henderson — who was one of those to back Diaz — which sets McGregor off. As he passes Henderson to his left, McGregor shouts:
They all doubted me. Every one of you doubted me. Doubt me now! Doubt me now! Doubt me now!”
Good man Willie. If only he lost but gained a moral victory like every other athlete we have. Credit to him. Warrior!
UFC 206, McGregor v Delaney!
Can’t say I’m a huge fan of him or his manner, but fair play to him.
He stands behind everything he says, on a world stage, takes some conviction and talent to do that.
He said he’d beat yer man the last time too though!!!!!
Show me a fighter who said he’s not gonna beat an upcoming opponent….
Gas man
Muppet more like
Pm me hun xoxo
I’m not fan of his or the sport in particular but admire how he got back in with Diaz and beat him. Thumbs up from me.However, journalists and fighters were asked and gave their opinion. Boo-hoo, get over it.
I love that he said it just as he got to Dan Henderson who was one of the, I think, 38 fighters who bet against him?