“Muhammad Ali of the UFC” – Katie Taylor feels Conor McGregor isn’t getting the respect he deserves in Ireland

published

Irish professional boxer Katie Taylor had words of praise for Conor McGregor

Conor McGregor is undoubtedly the most popular MMA fighter ever. The Irishman dominated the mid-2010s and brought in more eyeballs to the sport than ever.

‘The Notorious’ is the richest MMA athlete of all time. He took the world by storm after knocking out then-featherweight champion Jose Aldo in just 13 seconds, back in 2015. He went on to become a champ-champ the very next year as well.

Conor McGregor Statue
Conor McGregor after winning the lightweight championship back in 2016

Elsewhere, women’s professional boxer Katie Taylor, who has been doing Ireland proud showered words of praise on McGregor. Comparing him to Muhammad Ali, Taylor stated that he was not celebrated as much as he deserved to be (in Ireland).

Taylor told Ariel Helwani in the MMA Hour:

“He’s always been a fantastic support to me, but I think he’s just someone who’s actually transcended the sport. He’s like, for me, the Muhammad Ali of the UFC. He’s just a fantastic athlete. A great businessman as well. But what he’s done in the sport and the UFC has been absolutely incredible, and I don’t think he’s celebrated as much as he should be here in Ireland. I think he is an absolute global superstar and just a phenomenal athlete, and he’s always been a complete gentleman towards me.” [via MMA Fighting]

Katie Taylor has been on a roll

Katie Taylor is still undefeated. Starting out as a footballer, Taylor made her pro-boxing debut when she was 30 years old.

She currently holds the WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO, and The Ring female lightweight titles and is undefeated in 20 fights (20-0).

A high-profile clash against Amanda Serrano looms large for the Irishwoman.

More MMA news

Follow our dedicated MMA page for instant MMA news and updates