McGregor Reacts To Gaethje’s Win, Stephen Thompson Pulls Out

Conor McGregor has reacted to Justin Gaethje’s second-round KO win over Dustin Poirier at UFC 291. 

Gaethje set the octagon alight, as he landed an incredible leg kick to the face that dropped Poirier. The latter did not see it coming, as Gaethje was landing successful hooks prior to that.

Gaethje’s performance won him a lot of praise, since he had been stopped by Poirier in 2018.

Therefore, having the chance to enact his revenge and pull it off won him many plaudits. Gaethje picked up the ‘BMF’ title as a result of his stunning victory. 

But for all the praise that was coming his way, McGregor was not too best pleased by Gaethje. And he let him know in no uncertain terms that he was the real ‘BMF’ champion. This was even with his time away from the sport. 

McGregor’s Comments 

“Justin, I’ll slap you around. I’m the real bmf, he can fight for pennies if he wants but I want spirits, I call the shots, I’m in it to launch shots, fuck chandler, you want it call for it,” McGregor 

That naturally drew a lot of criticism. McGregor has not competed in the UFC since his loss to Poirier in 2021.

During the course of that process, McGregor suffered a broken leg as he went on an extended period of rehabilitation.

Although that may have been the case, McGregor’s comeback to the cage has been clouded by controversy.

He has long been linked with a fight against Michael Chandler, as the pair compete as coaches on the ‘TUF 31’ series.

But before a bout can happen, McGregor must enroll in USADA and provide two negative tests over a six month period.

However, as of now, McGregor has not done such a thing which has resulted in him coming under fire once again. 

Chandler’s Comments

“Conor’s not in USADA. One-hundred and seventy nine days left until Dec. 16, which is supposed to be the last pay-per-view of the year. Comically, USADA shows up at my door today to add insult to injury. Where you at, boy,” Chandler 

Ultimately, McGregor is using Gaethje’s name to keep himself relevant. But there is only so much he can say before MMA fans start to question if they will ever see the ‘Notorious’ in the ring once again. 

Stephen Thompson Pulls Out

McGregor’s comments were not the only source of controversy though at UFC 291. Stephen Thompson’s fight with Michel Pereira was called off after the latter failed to make the welterweight limit.

And yet, Thompson had the chance to proceed with the fight at a catchweight if he wanted to do so. However, Thompson decided against such a thing as the fight never materialized. 

The news was a setback for Thompson, given the impressive form that both fighters were in as the bout promised much.

Thompson arrived into the fight following his win over Kevin Holland. Meanwhile, Pereira was on a five-fight-win streak in a fight that had gotten the fan base invested. So the following comments were not ideal. 

“Unfortunately, my fight with Michel Pereira will no longer be going forward. First off, I’m sorry to all the fans who were looking forward to my fight.

“I’m gutted for my coaches, my family and all the people who helped me throughout camp to be ready and prepared to go to battle. I made weight this morning as I have done every fight during my 11+ year UFC career.

“My opponent did not. This isn’t the first time I’ve had an opponent miss weight and given how that played out previously, myself and my team felt that it’s ultimately not smart for us to move forward with this fight.”

“At my age and given what I’ve accomplished in this sport, I’m not here to be a gatekeeper, I’m here to fight for and win a UFC Welterweight Title,” Thompson

Thompson’s Expenses

But rather than being compensated for his troubles, Thompson did not receive anything for ultimately making weight as a fighter. 

In addition, the cost of the training camp and the other costs associated with it were not covered by the UFC. And at a time when the organization has come under fire for not paying fighters enough, this was not a good look. 

“Stephen Thompson didn’t receive his show money despite making weight for his canceled #UFC291 bout vs. Michel Pereira,” Source 

McGregor and Thompson’s next moves will be crucial for their careers. The ‘Notorious’ must make a comeback soon, or fuel further rumors that he will never return.

As for Thompson, given that he is 40 years old, he does not have too many days left in the sport. Time will tell how things play out later down the line for both fighters’ careers.

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