Bellator color commentator John McCarthy is doubtful that Conor McGregor can return to the previous form that saw him become a two-division champion in 2016.
At UFC 264: Poirier vs. McGregor 3 the Irish superstar was looking to get revenge after his second fight with Dustin Poirier ended by knockout in the second round. McGregor’s UFC 264 pre-fight antics were back, and the atmosphere surrounding the fight completely changed compared to their January meeting.
As the two fought furiously in the opening round, it was clear by the fifth minute, that Conor McGregor broke his ankle/leg. After screaming for a doctor stoppage due to injury, an angry McGregor hurled insults at Poirier’s wife until he was stretchered out of the Octagon. The superstar appears to be confident in his inevitable return though.
Possibly. The leg tho will be more than equipped to kick. I am billi walking straight to a title shot on my return and it sickens the bums of this business. Which is the real reason these constant disrespectful comments come by way. God bless them. https://t.co/IEWhjVRmj8
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) August 16, 2021
The esteemed former referee John McCarthy is critical of McGregor and believes that his lifestyle inhibits the superstar from reaching the pinnacle of the sport as he did so before. Speaking to Brendan Shaub and Josh Thompson on an episode of Food Truck Diaries, McCarthy gave the low-down on McGregor.
“He was at this level. He’s not at that level now because all the other things that are important, and all the business and everything, it starts to just bring you down; while they (McGregor’s opponents) are bringing it up. And that’s what Dustin has done. He’s kind of brought it up. Conor’s got to find that way to bring that thing back up.” McCarthy said.
When asked if McGregor could ever return to his prime form, ‘Big’ John seemed to think the Irishman’s chances were bleak. Since McGregor is so focused on other ventures, the longtime referee is of the belief that McGregor is unable to commit like he has done so in the past.
“I don’t think so. I’m being honest. And I love, you know, I love when he was fighting and stuff. But he’s got so many other things to focus on, it’s tough just to focus on this one thing.” McCarthy concluded.
Since the defeat to Poirier, McGregor has struggled to handle a third-straight MMA loss. Lately, “The Notorious” has taken to Twitter to go after the likes of Michael Bisping, Daniel Cormier, and even his old nemesis Khabib Nurmagomedov.
