UFC featherweight Zubaira Tukhugov called Conor McGregor the ‘devil’ following the FW champ’s controversial remarks regarding religion.
Back in December, Conor McGregor made headlines when he told TMZ that would “whoop” Jesus’ ass if he were alive. The statement came a week before he KO’d Jose Aldo in 13 seconds to be crowned featherweight champion, and was designed to emphasize his invincibility.
“Me versus Jesus in the Octagon? I tell you what, there’s not a man alive that can beat me,” McGregor said (transcription via MMAMania). “But Jesus ain’t alive so I don’t fucking know, maybe he can come back from the dead, I don’t know. I’d still whoop his ass.”
Naturally, McGregor’s remarks sparked outrage amongst religious fighters. Rafael dos Anjos spoke about it during the UFC 197 press conference, while Wanderlei Silva added that he was disgusted by McGregor’s comments. Even UFC featherweight Zubaira Tukhugov lashed out against the Irishman for his blasphemy.
“He is the devil,”Tukhugov told lastround.ru. “He and his tattoos and looks like hell. I’m tired of it, and protect its Muslims, particularly the Chechens. I felt very uncomfortable, because it offends Isa (Jesus in Arabic) – our prophet. He and the Orthodox too. And then how to respect him and root for him !? Especially Muslims. If he insults a prophet, he must be punished for it. I was hurt and I said so. How can you respect and love such people? I do not envy him or hate him as a champion.”
Tukhugov’s heated response was triggered by a short periscope video where he audibly insulted McGregor for his attitude.
“I did not know that the video spread. It turns out that a lot of people had seen it at that time, and I did not know. If I knew, then maybe I would not say so.”