UFC: Conor McGregor says Dana White’s ‘outlandish comments’ caused him to change 170-pound frame
- McGregor says UFC president White’s comments ‘lit a fire in my belly’ ahead of welterweight bout with Donald Cerrone
- Cerrone thanks McGregor for choosing more mutually comfortable weight class
Conor McGregor said UFC president Dana White’s “outlandish comments” motivated him to change his 170-pound frame ahead of his fight against Donald Cerrone this weekend.
“I feel I’ve reshaped my frame,” McGregor said at the UFC 246 pre-fight press conference when asked how he stays motivated to fight. “Dana made some outlandish comments, ‘one man’s too big’ and this, that and the other.”
The 31-year-old McGregor (professional MMA record 21-4) has fought his career in the featherweight and lightweight divisions – 145 and 155 pounds, respectively – and lost one of two of his renowned 170-pound fights against Nate Diaz.
White had previously commented on McGregor’s size in response to rumours of a fight with BMF champion Jorge Masvidal last year. White doubled down, saying he still felt Masvidal was too big but that McGregor disagreed and was “not happy” with the comments.
“It lit a fire under my belly and … last time I fought in this division I felt amazing. I outlasted a triathlete – a man who is known for his cardio ability – and I dropped him multiple times [while] full of energy.
“A fighter who’s willing to go up and down like that, there’s so many more exciting matchups to be made,” said the Irishman, adding that he feels he has a speed advantage over Cerrone.
Future UFC hall of famer Cerrone (36-13), who tended to cut a substantial amount of weight to fight at lightweight, got one of the biggest laughs of the night after turning to thank McGregor mid-answer for choosing a more comfortable weight class to fight in.
“Thanks for 170 that was [expletive] good, I appreciate that,” said the 36-year-old, who will be fighting for the 51st time in his career. “I’m gonna eat, hang out, play with the boy, and go have some fun on Saturday.
“It’s cool to finally get what I deserve. So thank you Conor, and you’re right, you do bring the biggest paydays and the biggest eyes.”
