Conor McGregor calls out Aldo, Dos Anjos after UFC 196 loss
UFC featherweight champion Conor McGregor faced a wave of criticism from fans and fellow fighters in the aftermath of his defeat by Nate Diaz at UFC 196 on Saturday.
Sunday, McGregor took to Instagram to say he would not apologize for the loss and called out a few of his rivals.
McGregor and Diaz arranged the fight on short notice after lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos, McGregor’s originally scheduled opponent, suffered a broken foot in training. The welterweight bout—McGregor’s first time moving up to 170 pounds in his career—resulted in a sound-round submission victory for Diaz.
“I stormed in and put it all on the line. I took a shot and missed,” McGregor said in the Instagram post. “I will never apologize for taking a shot. S--- happens. I'll take this loss like a man. I will not shy away from it. I will not change who I am. If another champion goes up 2 weights let me know.”
• Jose Aldo challenges Conor McGregor to rematch at UFC 200
He then used explicit language to take shots at Dos Anjos and former featherweight champion Jose Aldo, who McGregor knocked out in 13 seconds at UFC 194 to claim the belt.
• McGregor cut back down to size by Diaz at UFC 196
Before the loss to Diaz, McGregor had made his intention clear that he hoped to move up and win the lightweight and welterweight titles. It is unclear whether he will move up in weight for his next fight, or be forced to defend the featherweight belt.
