Conor McGregor is a master of getting a rise out of prospective opponents.
The UFC featherweight champion was at his trash-talking best during the pre-fight press conference for his UFC 196 clash against Nate Diaz on Wednesday evening. As we’ve come to expect from The Notorious, he used the event as a platform to score some points on his UFC rivals, namely Rafael dos Anjos and Frankie Edgar.
RDA was initially scheduled to fight McGregor with his lightweight strap going on the line, but a broken foot forced him to pull out, while Edgar was offered the bout but couldn’t accept it as he is currently recovering from a torn groin.
McGregor put both fighters on blast for not accepting a fight against him, hinting that it was a little too convenient that both men who have been calling him out for a long time were unable to commit to showing up on March 5.
“They all have sore vaginas lately; it’s crazy. There’s something going on, I don’t know,” he said. “Dos Anjos broke his foot and his vagina in the same damn day, in the same way as Edgar. I couldn’t believe the odds of that to happen.”
The lightweight champion took to Twitter soon after the presser ended to fire back at McGregor. He criticised the Irishman for not accepting a fight against Donald Cerrone, who was also in the running to replace him, and choosing Diaz instead.
Why 🍟🍔Gregor didn't pick Cerrone to fight!? He loves some out of shape with 10 days notice like Mendez. Want 2 belts? Gotta beat me👊🏾💥👊🏾
— Rafael dos Anjos (@RdosAnjosMMA) February 24, 2016
Cerrone is coming off a first round submission victory over Alex Oliveira at UFC Pittsburgh meaning he has a full camp under his belt and is healthy to throw down. Meanwhile Diaz will start his fight training about 10 days out from fight night, which RDA thinks is an easier option for McGregor.
Former lightweight champion and current number one featherweight contender Frankie Edgar also responded to McGregor’s goading on Twitter.
The Answer found it amusing how McGregor only called him out when he was injured, especially considering how long Edgar has been asking to square off with The Notorious but has so far been snubbed at every opportunity.
Funny he wants to fight on 10 days notice while I'm nursing an injury but never before, not surprised.
— Frankie Edgar (@FrankieEdgar) February 24, 2016
