He gave it his all…
In the end, the result was as predictable as you might expect for a UFC star going out of his comfort zone to take on one of the best boxers of all time, but that doesn’t tell the whole story of the bout at the T-Mobile Arena.
McGregor lasted ten rounds before fatigue and Floyd Mayweather’s superior boxing ability proved decisive, with referee Robert Byrd stepping in to stop a fight before what seemed like an inevitable knockout.
Before that, however, McGregor did himself proud in the opening rounds – probably winning the first three – but it was a level that was always going to be hard to sustain against someone of Mayweather’s supreme ability.
There was to be no almighty shock, but McGregor earned plenty of respect (as well as a helluva lot of money) and can walk away from the encounter with his head held high.
Here’s some of the best reaction to events in Las Vegas in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Nothing but respect! #MayweatherMcGregor pic.twitter.com/E6o1MZKN8q
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) August 27, 2017
"He's a lot better than I thought he was." #Mayweather on #McGregor #MayweatherMcGregor pic.twitter.com/6lhKYWB4yu
— UFC (@ufc) August 27, 2017
Moral victories don't mean much but Conor did way better than the vast majority of the boxing world thought he'd do. Gas tank did him in.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) August 27, 2017
All over.
Great effort by McGregor but Mayweather just showed why he's the GOAT. Phenomenal boxer. 👍 pic.twitter.com/M65rcj2PZj— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) August 27, 2017
Props to McGregor for what he showed tonight against one of the best ever! He's a #martialartist and an amazing competitor! #MayMac
— “Wonderboy” Thompson (@WonderboyMMA) August 27, 2017
Conor McGregor loses nothing tonight. Only gains. He never hit the canvas. Never came even close to quitting. Made Floyd fight entertaining.
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) August 27, 2017
Massive respect to Conor McGregor. He stood in there with Floyd Mayweather, arguably the best boxer of all time and was competitive. #MayMac
— Chamatkar Sandhu (@SandhuMMA) August 27, 2017
Kudos to McGregor – he did an excellent job, ran out of gas. That fight was way better than I ever imagined. Compelling.
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) August 27, 2017
Fucking respect. He had a crack at the best
— The Blindboy Podcast (@bbboatclub) August 27, 2017
Great fight. Congrats to both McGregor & Mayweather well spent money
— George Foreman (@GeorgeForeman) August 27, 2017
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