McGregor Denies Laughing At Covington After Grappling Loss

Conor McGregor has pushed back against accusations that he mocked Colby Covington following a grappling match in Rome earlier this week.

The controversy stems from footage aired during the November 3 Hype FC event, where Rosas Jr. forced Covington to tap just 40 seconds into their bout with a rear-naked choke. As Sherdog reports, the Dazn broadcast then showed McGregor appearing to laugh in the crowd while the victor celebrated.

McGregor Claims Video Timing Was Manipulated

The former two-division UFC champion responded on social media, insisting the clip had been spliced together to create a false impression. "I do not laugh at competing men and women," McGregor posted, per the report. He maintained the footage captured him enjoying the event but was deliberately timed to coincide with Covington's finish.

McGregor went on to say he respects all fighters regardless of how their contests end. The Irishman thanked everyone who competed on the card and said the evening in Rome was enjoyable.

Covington accepted the grappling contest on short notice against Rosas Jr., who continues his unbeaten streak in the UFC bantamweight division. McGregor has been sidelined since suffering a broken leg at UFC 264 in July 2021.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Conor McGregor fires back at claims he laughed at Colby Covington