Ramblings and trash talk have become the staple of UFC fighters. But there’s a fine line between self-promotion and disrespect in the fight game, especially in the UFC. According to Kamaru Usman, former double champion Conor McGregor has clearly crossed it and is not happy with it.
During a recent gambling livestream, the infamous Irishman took verbal jabs. His targets? Just about every elite UFC fighter imaginable. While the comments about Khabib Nurmagomedov and Ilia Topuria were expected, Conor McGregor didn’t spare Usman either. He casually dismissed the former welterweight king as a “bum.” As a reply, Usman accused McGregor of shamelessly stealing spotlights.
The only time [Conor] really gets on Twitter is whenever someone is doing something spectacular…When Israel [Adesanya] would have a big fight, Conor would tweet… When Alexander [Volkanovski] would have a big fight, Conor would tweet. When Islam [Makhachev] would have a fight, Conor would tweet…It was just him trying to be a troll, him trying to steal some of those moments. It’s disgraceful at this point.
Kamaru Usman via Pound 4 Pound podcast
The 37-year-old understood McGregor’s unmatched ability to captivate audiences and make revenue. But he believed there was a line the Irishman unjustly crossed. In Usman’s eyes, McGregor’s brash persona morphed into needless disrespect. According to the former 170 lb king, martial arts should be built on mutual respect. McGregor’s recent antics betray that core principle entirely.
Of course, McGregor has never been one to bite his tongue for politeness’ sake. His unfiltered persona is a major part of his international stardom. However, Kamaru Usman argued it was anything but self-promotion that McGregor involved himself in. As such, he had another advice for the first simultaneous double champion.
Kamaru Usman advises Conor McGregor to be a good role model
Kamaru Usman just landed a big verbal shot at Conor McGregor. The former UFC welterweight champion fired back at Conor McGregor’s recent insults. Usman took a page from McGregor’s book and aimed his counterattack squarely at McGregor’s personal life.
Conor McGregor (via Imago)McGregor has found himself in various scandals and altercations in the past. Moreover, his usage of alcohol is concerning for an MMA fighter. As such, Usman advised the Irishman to rethink his lifestyle and choose a better path.
I think it’s better to put that whiskey bottle down and actually come back to your wits, and be a good father and a good role model.
Kamaru Usman via Pound 4 Pound podcast
Kamaru Usman responds to Conor McGregor, and says he gave Conor two opportunites to fight him when he was champion 😳
“You can’t say [I’m a bum], Conor. I didn’t kick him while he was down. He’s had run-ins with the law, he’s had back-to-back incidents… but you never heard me… pic.twitter.com/jnxSWzaBHO
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) May 22, 2024
It remains to be seen how McGregor would reply to Usman if he does. But one thing’s for sure: the war of words won’t subside soon. McGregor’s clash with Michael Chandler at UFC 303 is just weeks away after a lengthy time away from the Octagon. As such, one can expect the Irishman to make his presence known worldwide.
