Paul Hughes bills Conor McGregor’s comments incredibly disrespectful, but he’s not the same man “we used to know”
Paul Hughes doesn't recognize the Conor McGregor who went on the rampage and doubts they're mending fences anytime soon.
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Paul Hughes doesn't expect to make peace with Conor McGregor any time soon (Source: X/IMAGO)
Like most Irish fighters, Paul Hughes is in awe of Conor McGregor and the attention he has brought to his home country. Up until recently, “Notorious” and his notorious ways did not stand in the way of Hughes as well. But now, Hughes doesn’t expect to patch it up with McGregor anytime soon.
The Irishman was to corner him for the Champions Series: Road to Dubai (Series 6) event headliner. After losing a gritty, close decision, Hughes paid his respects to the Nurmagomedov family. Yes, heralded by McGregor-foe Khabib Nurmagomedov. When “Bog News” Hughes dropped the bomb that “I’m not like that other guy,” in reference to McGregor’s antics, it set him off! Hughes caught stern accusations as a bootlicker and traitor for it.
Everyone’s seen my response to it; it wasn’t a very militant response, …It was what it was. It ended up a lot of people done the fighting for me in terms of the comments and the pushback. So yeah — it was what it was. Even at the time, I did not take it personal, …I think unfortunately it’s not the Conor we once knew in, say, 2016. People were saying, ‘Is it sad to hear that from you idol or someone you looked up to?’ Unfortunately, that’s not the person that tweeted that message. It’s of course not something I wish on anybody.
Paul Hughes to MMA Junkie Radio with “Gorgeous” George and “Goze” #3540
In the leadup to his title fight against Bellator lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov on the PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai last month, Hughes had McGregor’s backing. Nurmagomedov defeated Paul Hughes via majority decision in a FOTY contender; McGregor even called it a robbery.
But gone are the days when the duo could consider each other Irish comrades. Paul Hughes can’t take a personal attack on his background lightly, with McGregor claiming that Northern Ireland is not part of Ireland. It’s something the recent title challenger weighed in on even more.
Paul Hughes rakes the war to Conor McGregor for poking Irish divide in crass comments
That Conor McGregor would fall back to his usual tweet-and-delete spree in a bender is no surprise. That he’d do it ranting against fellow Irishman Paul Hughes is definitely a new one. Ever since the Champions Series: Road to Dubai (Series 6) card, ‘Mac’ has been poking it nonstop.
McGregor is usually a big proponent of all things Ireland. Often going up against the “corrupt” old guard, McGregor has aspired to be the Irish President. His 113-unit block in Drimnagh, for The Large Scale Residential Development (LRD), is a viral achievement. He once told Raidió Teilifís Éireann (RTE) that he had extended a 21-unit housing estate. It’s subsequently up to hundreds now.
McGregor most often pitches in on Irish politics and local coverages on his socials. However, in recent times, there has been a big fall from grace. McGregor took a swipe at Hughes for his in-cage remarks, questioning his Irish identity. Because Hughes, 27, is from Northern Ireland. It’s a part of the world with a lot of history and violence and, hence, a no-go topic.
It was obviously a very extreme kind of viewpoint that he was taking, … obviously an unbelievably disrespectful one. It’s probably the most disrespectful thing you could say to a fellow Irishman is that he’s not Irish just because I come from the north of the country.
Paul Hughes further said
Hughes doesn’t consider McGregor one of his teammates or close personal friends. He has had no part in this rivalry or the Khabib squabble. He sees no reason to be dragged into it now, especially at the cost of his respect.
Related: ”Drunk drug addict” – Conor McGregor bashed by Team Khabib after insulting ‘Nurmagomedov’ family
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