VIDEO | Conor McGregor says fight with teammate should have been stopped earlier, opponent now in ‘very serious condition’

Charlie Ward, teammate of UFC featherweight champion Conor McGregor won a brutal fight against Joao Carvalho by 3rd round TKO at TEF 1, which took place at the National Stadium in Dublin on Saturday night.

After the bout, Conor McGregor spoke with MMA Connect TV and mentioned that the fight could have been stopped earlier.

“My teammate Charlie had a good win just there – hell of a fight. Yer man took some big shots. Thought it could have been stopped a little bit earlier. The referee’s need to be on the ball a little bit,” said McGregor.

Shortly after the fight, Carvalho was hospitalized and is now in “very serious condition.”

TEF 1 released a statement addressing Carvalho’s condition:

“Following the referee stoppage Carvalho, who competes as a member of the Portuguese club Team Nobrega, was assessed by doctors and medical staff at the onsite medical office as per normal procedure. It was determined that he should be sent to hospital, where he is still under assessment and receiving medical treatment at this time.

Cesar Silva, CEO of TEF said “Our thoughts are with Joao Carvalho, his family and Team Nobrega. Joao’s welfare is our primary focus at this moment in time but we will update you on Joao’s condition as it becomes clearer. If you could respect Joao Carvalho and Team Nobrega’s privacy at this time, it would be greatly appreciated.”

Mr. Silva also thanked the medical staff on duty, “The promotion and fighters followed best regulatory practices. We had also three doctors and paramedic staff present on the night. Their presence ensured that the seriousness of Joao’s condition was recognized and swift action taken and we are thankful for their help. Serious injuries like this are rare worldwide in MMA but it is important that every possible precaution is taken to ensure every competitor’s welfare.”

Everyone in the MMA community is surely sending their best wishes for a quick and full recovery for Joao Carvalho.