"He's the only good fighter out of Ireland. Ever."
Conor McGregor is leading the charge when it comes to teeing up big-money UFC fights.
'The Notorious' has already created history by holding onto his featherweight belt while, at UFC 197, challenging for the Rafael do Anjos' lightweight crown.
Ahead of UFC Fight Night 81,
USA Today caught up with the fighters on the main card and asked whether McGregor deserved the special treatment.
The response was generally positive.
Of the six fighters interviewed, only TJ Dillashaw expressed reservations and they were slight. "Hopefully he still defends that featherweight belt," said the bantamweight champion before remarking that the Irishman had now set a precedent within the promotion.
Lightweights Ross Pearson and Paul Feder sang McGregor's praises while heavyweight Travis Browne raved about the super-fight.
Daron Cruickshank, meanwhile, believes he knows why McGregor is so successful. He said:
"It's all about money. Conor brings in a lot of money. He's got a whole country behind him. He's the only good fighter out of Ireland. Ever."
Don't tell the others.
Check out the full video, courtesy of
MMA Junkie, here:
https://youtu.be/b7kptsBAEnk
