The sports of MMA and boxing may not always see eye to eye, but after witnessing the instant classic war between Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz at UFC 202 on Saturday night, some of the biggest names in the history of the sweet science were singing the praises of these two warriors.
“Wow what a fight! Respect to both @TheNotoriousMMA and @NateDiaz209 #UFC202,” the legendary Manny Pacquiao wrote immediately after witnessing the bloody battle.
Pacquiao’s biggest rival, Floyd Mayweather Jr also appeared to be watching the fight, writing, “Let’s get down to business,” as the fight began, then posted bags of money emoticons afterwards as rumors of a possible future boxing match with McGregor continue to swirl.
Mayweather isn’t the whole boxer who wants a piece of McGregor though, as British star Amir Khan was more excited than ever about the idea after witnessing ‘The Notorious’ emerge victorious by majority decision.
“Congrats @TheNotoriousMMA great fight! #Warrior,” Khan wrote. “Amazing fight @TheNotoriousMMA Showed true heart/balls and guts. Well done, have a good rest. See you soon. Call me, we need to talk.”
British middleweight champion Chris Eubank Jr was also watching, and he too was impressed by what he saw.
“Hell of a fight,” Eubank wrote. “Congrats to McGregor for grinding out the win over Diaz. Guess there’s gota be a third now #Warriors”
Heavyweight boxing legend Lennox Lewis also applauded McGregor’s efforts on the night.
“@TheNotoriousMMA Great fight!” Lewis wrote. “Rematch is the best way to put things right. 😉 Congrats! #UFC202”
And of course, as he often is, Mike Tyson was cage-side at the event watching the action firsthand, rubbing shoulders with the likes of rap superstar Kanye West, as celebrities flew in to witness one of the most talked about fights in years.
Even long-time boxing supporters became swept up in the moment, with ESPN’s Skip Bayless confessing that Diaz Vs McGregor II had converted him to become a UFC fan.
“As a longtime hardcore boxing fan, starting w/ Ali Era, I’ve been leery of UFC. But after my 1st live event last night, I’m now all-in,” Bayless declared. “Impressed w/ Conor McGregor’s 2-hand boxing skills. Now think he could hang in w/ Mayweather. Wouldn’t win. Wouldn’t get embarrassed.”
