JAKARTA – Mixed martial arts fighter Stephen Thompson who competes in the welterweight division sees UFC star Conor McGregor as equal to Muhammad Ali in the boxing world.
Thompson made the confession in his latest podcast 'What's Up Everyone'. He believes that the mixed martial arts world has produced sensational stars such as Khamzat Chimaev and Paddy Pimblett.
However, these names cannot compete with what McGregor has inscribed in the UFC. For Thompson, the Irish star's legacy in the UFC will last as long as Muhammad Ali did in boxing.
"You know these fighters appear like. They don't have sensational promotion around them like McGregor," Thompson said, quoted from Middle Easy.
McGregor is a phenomenal fighter. Although he reaped many controversies and received ridicule from many people, he still received a tremendous response from his supporters.
As a top fighter, Conor is considered to have completely changed the face of the UFC. This includes being the highest paid fighter.
"(Conor McGregor) the greatest star ever in UFC history. He will be remembered forever like Muhammad Ali," Thompson said.
However, Thompson predicts McGregor will lose if he makes a comeback and fights Kamaru Usman to win the welterweight belt.
McGregor has recently been clamoring for a return to the UFC. His original plan was to fight Charles Oliveira for the lightweight belt, but in a recent interview he expressed a desire to duel with Kamaru.
"It's been a big fight, big payoff but you (McGregor) will be destroyed. Guys, I love you Conor but you put on such weight and you're up against a 170 pound guy. I mean, you should try to gain weight to get to 170 pounds. I mean, look at Kamaru, look at the man's biceps and shoulders," Thompson said.
McGregor is getting closer to his much-anticipated UFC comeback. He has not tasted victory for more than two years after he suffered a loss to Dustin Poirier in July 2021.
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