Conor McGregor deserves a round of applause despite a second loss in a row to Dustin Poirier last weekend.
That's according to UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira, who has described his horror ankle break as 'painful' as he watched his two main contenders do battle.
McGregor was downed in the first round of the UFC 264 showdown, with the loss set to sideline McGregor for over six months while Poirier looks poised to challenge Poirier for the belt.
And reflecting on the fight, Oliveira expressed his disappointment that the two couldn't be separated by a decisive win.
“It’s boring to talk about this fight. I, Charles, see all fighters as workers who were born to do this,” Oliveira told Super Lutas.
“So, I treat everyone well, when the fight is over I hug, kiss, thank you for the affection and the opportunity. I watched the UFC (card) from beginning to end. And, the way Conor lost, it was painful. If he got knocked out or knocked out Dustin, it would be a show.”
And despite McGregor picking up just one UFC win in almost five years, Oliveira claimed the Dubliner deserves credit for his contribution to the industry.
Oliveira added: “Conor deserves a standing ovation. I don’t like the way he sells the fight, the way he talks.
“But as an athlete, he’s a giant. The guy influences millions of people and earns millions of dollars whether he wins or loses.
“He’s a guy who puts money in a lot of people’s pockets. Everyone wants to fight him because they knows they’re going to make money.
“Unfortunately, he lost the way he did and will be sidelined. He said it will take six weeks to return. I’m sure when he comes back he’ll fight Dustin Poirier again. He has my respect.”
