Joanna Jedrzejczyk defends Conor McGregor from critics following UFC 196

It was no secret going into UFC 196 that featherweight champion Conor McGregor was taking a tremendous risk by jumping up to welterweight, 25 pounds higher than the featherweight limit of 145 pounds.

McGregor ultimately appeared to gas in the second round, something he chalked up to an inefficient use of energy, which resulted in Diaz rocking McGregor with a 1-2 combination. This subsequently forced McGregor into a desperation takedown attempt, which resulted in Diaz securing a rear naked choke win.

In the wake of the loss, many began criticizing McGregor for his confidence leading up to the fight. Some, including former UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo, took the opportunity to take verbal jabs at McGregor.

One woman, UFC strawweight champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk, has taken the opportunity to defend McGregor from critics.

Fot. @erhfoto Whenever you achieve something big, when you have Success in a scale that Has never been reached in your field There will always be haters, There will be people Rooting for you to fail but know that the people that really understand the sport And the business look up to you And for the work that you have done No Result will erase the legacy you have built Never forget that the lions should never lose sleep over the opinion of the sheep (not about fans) I DO RESPECT ALL THE FIGHTERS!! Congratulations to @natediaz209 who did an amazing job! @ufc @ufceurope @thenotoriousmma #ufc #ufc196 #weareallone

A photo posted by Joanna (@joannajedrzejczyk) on Mar 9, 2016 at 5:22pm PST