Glover Teixeira praises Conor McGregor: “He’s like Muhammad Ali”

Opinions are extremely divided on Conor McGregor, who now holds the UFC’s featherweight and lightweight titles. Some people love his bravado, others find him arrogant. Some people consider him one of the best fighters in the world, others consider him the product of favorable matchmaking. Some people think he deserves all of the mountainous success he’s achieved, others think he’s gotten lucky. When it comes to McGregor, there’s generally no grey area; fans and fellow fighters are divided right down the middle as either supporters or haters.

UFC light heavyweight Glover Teixeira falls on the supporter side of the spectrum. In a recent interview with Combate (translated by Bloody Elbow), Teixeira explained his belief that McGregor deserves all the success that he’s achieved, and even compared the Irishman’s fighting style to that of boxing legend Muhammad Ali.

“Of course he deserves the success he has achieved, you can’t say otherwise,” Teixeira said. “How can I say it’s not? He sells, he knows how to talk, he’s smart, he’s no fool. McGregor doesn’t fight, he just reacts, he’s never first to throw a punch. He goes in there to tease, not to fight. He’s like Muhammad Ali.”

Teixeira continued with the McGregor praise:

“McGregor sells the show and fights well, he’s a real athlete who doesn’t get out of shape and is always training. He’s a high level guy who sells and deserves it. Who deserves it more than him? There’s no other. Maybe Mighty Mouse, but he doesn’t put on a show. McGregor does what he promises.”

When we last saw McGregor in action, he made history as the first fighter ever to hold UFC titles in two weight classes simultaneously. He did so with a blistering, second-round TKO of Eddie Alvarez in the main event of UFC 205.

Do you agree with Glover Teixeira’s praise of Conor McGregor, or do you think comparing him to Muhammad Ali is a bit premature? Sound off, PENN Nation!