Conor McGregor insists UFC rival Tony Ferguson ‘was never the level perceived’ when pair had same management
CONOR McGREGOR believes Tony Ferguson was never quite as good as he was thought to be when the pair shared the same management.
The Notorious labelled the American's defeat against Justin Gaethje as "embarrassing" after enduring a brutal battering at UFC 249.
Ferguson, who quit Paradigm management last July, was left hospitalised with a broken eye socket after losing his 12-fight winning streak.
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The Florida State Boxing Commission, which oversaw the event, has now suspended Ferguson for a minimum of 60 days.
McGregor has been vocal throughout UFC 249 as he plots his next scrap following his win over Donald Cerrone in January.
Talking of Ferguson's loss, he wrote on social media: "I love Tony. We represented him amazingly at Paradigm sports and were betrayed for a promise of a baseball contract.
"But frame and preparation here was just embarrassing.
"His methods and conversation are humorous/enjoyable but he was never the level perceived. Although tough."
Ferguson's shock loss means McGregor has turned his attentions towards Gaethje and fierce Russian rival Khabib Nurmagomedov.
And it appears Gaethje is up for the challenge but is adamant he wants to fight Nurmagomedov first.
Gaethje, 31, said after his win: "Khabib is the best in the world. I’ve been working since I was four for challenges like this.
"And I’m happy to represent the United States of America versus Dagestan or Russia’s best.
"He’s 28-0 and there’s no other challenge I want right now. I want to fight him.
“Then I’ll go to Ireland and do what I got to do.”
It led to a furious response from McGregor who fired back: "It will be my f***ing pleasure to display the power I possess with zero background noise for them.
"It's me and Justin next as Khabib is the biggest bottle fighter in the game. Guarantee it."
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McGregor still holds a grudge against Gaethje after the latter criticised him for being a "s*** human, father and husband" last year.
The Notorious added: "I am going to f***ing butcher you. Your teeth. I’m going to put them on a f***ing necklace. Speak on my skills as a father? You are f***ing dead.
"You are a f***ing blind fool, and I am going to finish the job."