JAKARTA - Katie Taylor, the WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO lightweight champion, has cheered her Irish compatriot Conor McGregor as The Notorious returns to the UFC.
McGregor has always been an outspoken and controversial figure in MMA (mixed martial arts) fights. Lately, he's been expressing his desire to fight again on the big stage.
Taylor, the 2012 Olympic champion, touts his friend's status in the sport as the biggest name in the UFC despite suffering more defeats lately.
"I think he's someone who really transcends the sport," Taylor told MMA Hour, "To me, he's like Muhammad Ali from the UFC.
“He is a fantastic athlete and also a great businessman. But what he's done in the sport and at the UFC he's been absolutely incredible, and I don't think he's been recognized in Ireland as much as he should be.
"I think he's an absolute world superstar. He's a phenomenal athlete and has always been a complete man."
Taylor also shared his views on McGregor's controversial behavior and comments in public.
"I think he's also starred in some controversial episodes outside of the octagon that people obviously don't like. But we can say that he's grown into someone bigger than his sport," he said.
"Almost every time he's fought, he's been great. He's still the person who has made the most sales in pay-per-view and still the highest-paid in the UFC. I'm looking forward to having him back."
Currently, McGregor is still recovering. However, he warns that he wants to return to the octagon next year.
McGregor's form - 22-6 in MMA and 10-4 in UFC - since 2018 hasn't really been that great. In four fights, he only won once and lost three times.
However, the former two-division UFC champion still appeals to his fans.
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