- McGregor compliments US president after tweet commemorating Martin Luther King Jnr
- Trump returns with congratulatory message after McGregor’s first-round TKO of Donald Cerrone last week
Conor McGregor's flawless performance against Donald Cerrone at UFC 246 last Sunday may have nudged him up a few places in the "GOAT" (greatest of all time) MMA rankings.
But the Irishman made sure to acknowledge US president Donald Trump, who he believes is truly worthy of the "GOAT" status.
"Phenomenal president. Quite possibly the USA (GOAT). Most certainly one of them anyway, as he sits atop the shoulders of many amazing giants that came before him. No easy (feat)," McGregor (professional MMA record 22-4) tweeted three days after his first-round technical knockout of Cerrone after more than a year out of the Octagon.
"Early stages of term also. Incredible. Congrats and Happy Martin Luther King (Jnr) day America."
Phenomenal President. Quite possibly the USA . Most certainly one of them anyway, as he sits atop the shoulders of many amazing giants that came before him. No easy feet.Early stages of term also.Incredible.Congrats and Happy Martin Luther King Jr. day America ️
" Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) January 21, 2020
The tweet, which caught several fans and fighters off guard, was in response to Trump's tweet commemorating Martin Luther King Jnr Day and his own presidential accomplishments three years since being sworn in.
Trump " who is the subject of an impeachment trial " replied to the 31-year-old former UFC double champion: "Congratulations on your big UFC WIN!"
Congratulations on your big @UFC WIN! https://t.co/135dOECsEf
" Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 21, 2020
Retired UFC fighter Ben Askren also weighed in on the brief exchange.
"Oh my god, I just commented on (the tweet)," Askren said on his Funky and FRB podcast. "I said 'Conor is a MAGA (Make America Great Again) guy? Come on, what a twist.' Did you see Conor as a MAGA guy? There's no way!"
Like @POTUS @realDonaldTrump always says: Promises made. Promises kept. Pleasure to finally meet you Mr. President. Thank you for always putting America first! #maga #GreatAmericanWinningMachine pic.twitter.com/yYZWkdd5wS
" Colby Covington (@ColbyCovMMA) August 2, 2018
Welterweight contender and Trump supporter Colby Covington is the only UFC fighter to have been invited to the White House after winning an interim belt last year.
Trump's sons, Donald Jnr and Eric, were at the T-Mobile Arena for the American's unsuccessful title tilt against Kamaru Usman at UFC 245 in December last year.
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