Conor McGregor was humbled by Dustin Poirier at UFC 257 but that loss would not have hurt the brand
Conor McGregor is one of the biggest names and is a big brand in the UFC but even the best get beaten, something that Dustin Poirier proved a month or so back.
McGregor vs Poirier 2 was the main event at UFC 257 at Fight Island and it was The Diamond that got the win.
UFC fans saw a different side of McGregor, someone who respected his opponent. The respect was shown on both sides before and after the fight and the pair are keen on a trilogy.
While that will be a blockbuster event, some weren’t all too happy with a different McGregor. They all wanted the brash, cocky and trash talking version, and McGregor has hinted that he will revert to this soon.
It is to be seen how that works out but Octagon legend Bruce Buffer liked this version of McGregor. The Voice of the UFC was speaking to RT Sport and brought up how the good McGregor was a great role model for the sport:
“I want to praise Conor. I was really happy to see how he handled himself at Fight Island and after Fight Island in his fight against Dustin Poirier.
“That is the kind of McGregor I love, showing respect, being a role model to the sport and still going out and fighting like a warrior and taking his loss with humbleness and respect.”
Buffer continued that McGregor was only going to get stronger after his conduct and that would help his brand too:
“Give Conor a lot of credit the way he handled himself. I want to se him continue to do that on and on.
“It will only make his brand stronger in so many ways, and the benefit he will do for the young people watching where we all have an obligation to be role models too I think it is very very important to the sport.”
Buffer was asked if McGregor was still at the top of his and the UFC great believed that the Irishman just needed to keep fighting:
“He is definitely one of the biggest draws. He’s definitely a superstar. You can still maintain your success and image in your defeat, it is all about how you handle yourself.
“I think the important thing would be to get in the next 3-5 months and fight again.”
Buffer added that it is difficult to remain at the top in sports but McGregor is still a top draw. The Irishman might not have fought a lot in recent months but he would continue being a big name if he marketed himself well.
McGregor has a ton of other business that keep him busy and grow his brand. However, fighting should be his main passion and it will be interesting to see when his next fight is.
Follow our dedicated UFC page for instant UFC news and updates