I was curious about this issue, too:
Prior to UFC 72, Davis was informed by the UFC that he would have to change his nickname. Because the event was held in Belfast, Northern Ireland, the UFC did not want to possibly offend the Northern Irish crowd with Davis’ moniker. Marcus fought under the temporary handle of “The Celtic Warrior”.
“After that was all over, I told them [UFC], `listen I can’t do that anymore.’ Don’t call me anything else, either just Marcus or the Irish Hand Grenade. I’ve had that moniker for so long. It’s nice to be back to the Irish Hand Grenade,” stated Davis.
My brother used to live in London. He claims the Brits hate the French more than anyone else, but the Irish-English rivalry is still alive and real. Perhaps this is Marcus’s way of playing that game.
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