The Notorious has been well and truly humbled.
Conor McGregor has been left to reflect on a bruising and battering defeat to Nate Diaz at UFC 196.
McGregor faced the media after the fight and, although he still looked sharp, the usually brash and cocky McGregor was visibly, and understandably, humbled by the loss.
The featherweight champion addressed his shortcomings in an open and frank assessment at the press conference, admitting that he panicked in the second round, allowing Diaz to capitalise.
We saw a VERY different Conor McGregor after his loss to Nate Diaz in #UFC196. @anezbitt explains.https://t.co/eSQ13DlBKt
— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) March 6, 2016
Conor McGregor: I'm still really enjoying it, I'm not tired of it. I still feel UFC 200 is there for me#UFC196
— FOX Sports: UFC (@UFCONFOX) March 6, 2016
Possibly the most interesting fallout from the press conference was McGregor’s announcement that he plans to return to the featherweight division to defend his crown.
So @TheNotoriousMMA talks about going back down to featherweight to defend the crown … #ufc196 pic.twitter.com/Tj4AFarvdJ
— Gareth A Davies (@GarethADaviesDT) March 6, 2016
Conor McGregor: 145 it's a cut, it's intense but I make it and I make it every time. I'll defend my belt. Nate will fight dos Anjos#UFC196
— FOX Sports: UFC (@UFCONFOX) March 6, 2016
When asked who he’d like to face between Jose Aldo and Frankie Edgar, McGregor composed himself before eventually favouring a rematch with the Brazilian.
Conor McGregor: It's kind of hard not to give Jose Aldo another go but he doesn't show up a lot. I don't know. #UFC196
— FOX Sports: UFC (@UFCONFOX) March 6, 2016
The Notorious was also clearly unhappy about the tweet posted by Aldo immediately after this fight.
Conor: Jose Aldo had a chance to show up and didn't. You celebrate someone else beating me? That's the sign of a loser.#UFC196
— FOX Sports: UFC (@UFCONFOX) March 6, 2016
