Tony Ferguson: I have to congratulate Conor McGregor

Streaking UFC lightweight contender Tony Ferguson has made no secret of his disdain for UFC lightweight champion Conor McGregor. The American has repeatedly blasted the champ for failing to defend the title he won from Eddie Alvarez in November of 2016. Now that McGregor’s much-discussed boxing showdown with undefeated pugilist Floyd Mayweather is official, however, Ferguson has decided to offer up some props.

In a recent interview with MMAJunkie.com, Ferguson congratulated McGregor on making this unprecedented battle with Mayweather happen, saying he’s happy to fight for an interim lightweight title while the champ makes his fortune.

“I have to say congratulations (to McGregor); that’s a (expletive) of money for them,” Ferguson told said. “That’s a lot of (expletive) lettuce, but don’t forget about the UFC cage, because you’re holding onto my belt. I’m over here. Let’s fight for an interim belt while Conor is doing his other thing. Let’s get something going. The interim title is vacant. That (expletive) needs to be in my hands. (I’m on a) nine-fight winning streak, and 10 sounds better, so let’s get it moving.”

While Ferguson is happy to give McGregor his props for getting this fight, however, he doesn’t seem to give the Irishman much of a chance in it:

“I have to say that Conor’s boxing is not up to par,” Ferguson said. “It is not up to par to how Mayweather’s boxing is going to be. … I’ve got to give him the benefit of the doubt: Stay hungry, stay on that (expletive), try to knock his ass out. Mayweather, the same thing – Conor is going to try to knock you out, dude, so both of you boys are going to have your hands full. Better train your asses off. We want to see a good fight. If I’m going to spend my money on it, I want to see a good fight.”

The lightweight contender also expects McGregor to return to MMA to solidify his fighting legacy.

“I say if you want to go down in the books after your boxing match, come over to MMA and test it one more time. You have to test it one or two more times against top-notch competitors. People that make the weight, that show up. … Handle your business, come back to the UFC. We’re all going to be sitting here waiting, watching, and make that money, do your thing and don’t be scared. Come back and play that game a little bit more. I would hate to see that talent go to (expletive). You’ve got a lot of talent, you’ve got a lot of energy, and come back and use it in the 155-pound division. Let’s fight over that belt, baby. Let’s go.”

What do you think of Tony Ferguson’s comments on Conor McGregor?

This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 6/14/2017.