Conor McGregor says Tyson Fury ‘couldn’t hold’ Francis Ngannou and marvels at his former UFC peer’s formidable power as he fuels Oleksandr Usyk v Fury rumours for next clash
- Tyson Fury kept his unbeaten run as he defeated Ngannou by split decision
- Conor McGregor marvelled at Ngannou’s power and strenght in the ring
- Recap all the action and aftermath from Tyson Fury v Francis Ngannou here
Conor McGregor shared his thoughts on the heavyweight clash between Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou.
The highly anticipated match on Saturday night saw Fury retain his unbeaten run as he was announced the winner by split decision.
McGregor, renowned for his achievements in MMA, expressed his admiration for the fight.
He lauded Tyson Fury for his performance: ‘Lovely shot that caught him on the back of the head, a bit off balance as well.
‘Fair play to Tyson he’s a tough man as well. Strong chin.
Francis Ngannou knocked down Tyson Fury during the third round of the heavyweight fight
Ngannou and his team celebrated prematurely after thinking they had won the fight
Conor McGregor looks on from ringside prior to the ‘Battle of the Baddest’ in Saudi Arabia
Conor McGregor shared his thoughts on the heavyweight clash between Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou
‘And Jesus, Ngannou is a powerful boy as well. Tyson couldn’t hold him. He was just missing with that backhand.
After being knocked down in round three, things were hotting up in Boulevard Hall in Riyadh as the crowd started to turn.
‘Great fight, great to watch. Heavyweight boxing is exciting! Especially from the ringside. Add Usyk into that and it’s going to be a tough ask for Fury as well.’
McGregor discussed whether the Usyk v Fury clash is likely to still happen: ‘You think he’s going to dip out of that one? You never know.
The UFC fighter wished all the fighters well and acknowledged the unpredictability of the boxing world, calling it ‘a crazy game,’ before revealing his plans to hit the gym.
‘I wish them all well, fair play to them. It’s a crazy game and I’m off to the gym.’
Fury, speaking in his post-fight interview, said ‘That definitely wasn’t in the script,’ he said. ‘Francis is a hell of a fighter, strong, a big puncher and a lot better boxer than we all thought he would ever be.’
‘He’s a very awkward man, a good puncher and I respect him a lot. He wasn’t coming forward, standing back and waiting for me to land my punches and then trying to counter – he’s a good fighter.
Tyson Fury heaped praise on his opponent who he called ‘one of the toughest fights’
After a split decision, Fury was ruled as the winner in a close score of 94-95, 96-93, 95-94
‘He’s given me probably one of my toughest fights in the last ten years.’
However, despite his bruised body and face, Fury defended his performance and highlighted how he got the job done.
He added: ‘(The knockdown was) nothing. it’s a part of boxing. I got caught behind the head again. My legs didn’t hurt or anything and I got back up and I was fine.
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