Conor McGregor makes an impact in a crowded room, even if not there in flesh and bone.
Such was the case for the reigning UFC featherweight titleholder, who pre-recorded his acceptance speech for the Fighter of the Year award during the 2016 World MMA Awards, which took place last night (Fri., Feb. 5, 2016) inside the Venetian Theatre at The Venetian in Las Vegas, Nevada.
“Notorious” has never missed a scheduled outing inside the Octagon, racking up three impressive wins over Jose Aldo, Chad Mendes, and Dennis Siver all in 2015. Injuries haven’t stopped the boisterous and always fit Irishman from competing, prompting him to use this latest opportunity on a grand stage to attack a budding rival in injured heavyweight kingpin Fabricio Werdum.
Transcription via MMA Fighting:
“There’s another man that must be slain, another champion that must be dethroned. There’s more numbers that need to be broken. I need to feed all you bums, so I’ve got to keep working, because yous bums don’t work. You got the heavyweight champion, who’s a pu–y, pulling out with a sore toe. How is the heavyweight champion going to pull out with a sore toe? What kind of champion is that? The game is on its knees, so I apologize I can’t be there at the awards, but I am out here putting it in, working, putting in the true work, the work it takes to keep every one of yous fed. So thank you, and thank me.”
Mic drop.
As former WWE champion turned professional mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter, CM Punk, did so well in his heyday, McGregor has completely mastered the art of dropping pipebomb after pipebomb.
Some of his infamous barbs are already classics, and his press conferences continue to up the anty, especially now that he’s challenging 155-pound tour de force Rafael dos Anjos at the UFC 196 pay-per-view (PPV) on March 5, 2016.
As he’s done so well in his two-year tenure with ZUFFA, McGregor appears to have elevated the art of promotion, which in turn has cause fellow combatants to try and keep pace.
However, he may not want to bite off more than he can chew. “Vai Cavalo” and welterweight champion Robbie Lawler aren’t exactly two men you’d want to mess with.
For more UFC 196 news and notes click here and to watch McGregor’s speech at the 2016 World MMA Awards (via Jeremy Botter) simply check it out below.