McGregor during hot Q&A in Rio de Janeiro. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC
Except for the fight between José Aldo e Chad Mendes, won by the Brazilian in a unanimous decision after five electrifying rounds, the most memorable moment of UFC Rio 5, held last October, was the controversial question and answer session between the Irishman Conor McGregor and Brazilian fans. With mutual offenses, and often attacks that went beyond the limits, the interview can be considered one of the hottest in the history of Ultimate. After the tension in Rio de Janeiro was over, McGregor recalled what happened and assured that he was not bothered, especially as he felt the same way towards the fans.
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“I liked that experience in Brazil. Things are just like that. Passion is passion and they are passionate about this sport. I felt like they wanted to kill me so much I wanted to kill them. Passion is what drives the sport. I read that some people thought I was disrespectful, but I didn't go there to disrespect people. I liked what happened. That's the game. Fans love Brazilian fighters. If it were in Ireland, it would be the same madness, but in the opposite direction. Passion is like that and there is no reason to try to stop it. I respect those people, at the end of the day I respect everyone. I'm on my own journey, but there's only room for one in this story”, said the Irishman, at a recent press conference in Las Vegas (USA).
At 26, Conor McGregor has a professional record of 16 wins and just two losses. Former lightweight and featherweight champion of the European “Cage Warriors” event, McGregor arrived in Ultimate in April last year and has already won four fights in the main MMA organization on the planet. Current fifth place in the official ranking of the category up to 66 kg, Conor is seen as the next challenger to the Brazilian José Aldo, but first he will have to go through German Dennis Siver, in the main fight of UFC Fight Night 59, on January 18, in Boston.
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