UFC superstar Conor McGregor has Joe Rogan’s back. Stephen A. Smith clapped back at Rogan after the longtime UFC commentator and UFC veteran Josh Thomson went in on him on an episode of Rogan’s podcast. The duo criticized Smith’s horrific padwork, with Rogan proclaiming that “This guy should not be allowed to talk about fighting.”
Rogan then said this about Smith in regards to his comments:
“You called a guy a quitter, first of all, had a broken orbital bone. You’re saying he was a quitter? He got his face smashed. He got cracked by one of the biggest punchers in the sport. He has the most wins in the sport, he has the most wins by finish, he has the most bonuses. I mean, come on. He has the most fights. Come on. You’re calling that guy a quitter? He got cracked. That’s what happens.”
Smith took to Twitter to let Rogan know that he was ‘wrong’ and that he stands by his statements. Smith didn’t believe he saw enough out of McGregor to believe that would ‘cut it’ in a rematch with Khabib Nurmagomedov, or in a matchup with Jorge Masvidal…and that was because of Cerrone.
“Conor McGregor did not get the opportunity to show us enough for us to believe Nurmagomedov or Masvidal, that’s something that could potentially happen to them. I didn’t see it, because Cowboy Cerrone, in his first PPV match folded. I respect him, but he folded like a cheap tent. Period. Bad night for him, that’s all. I stand by that.”
Conor McGregor responded to Smith, agreeing that he didn’t show enough, but also backing up Rogan for criticizing Smith’s comment that Cerrone ‘quit’ in the UFC 246 main event. McGregor proclaimed that ‘Those who make the walk deserve full respect!’ The iconic fighter ended his message with a simple, yet meaningful ‘Apologise.’
The call you discuss here is A+. I didn’t show enough. I’m not paid by the hour though. Joe’s comments however, come from you saying the opposition fighter quit. Broken nose/orbital bone say different. Fighting is vicious. Those who make the walk deserve full respect!
Apologise.— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) January 26, 2020
The ESPN analyst responded to Conor, confessing his respect for both UFC 246 headliners. He also mentioned that what he said was “That’s the way it looked.” Smith wished Cerrone nothing but the best, but also said that he doesn’t believe he was ‘unfair.’
Sir, mich respect to the great @TheNotoriousMMA. My recollection on what I said is “That’s the way it looked.” Cowboy Cerrone is a perennial top-10 fighter. Much respect to him for the lengthy career he has had. Wishing him nothing but the best. But I don’t think it’s unfair to..
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) January 26, 2020
say that more than 40-seconds was expected from as tough of an SOB as he is, @TheNotoriousMMA. Nor do I think it’s wrong to assume that there’s no way that’s 40-second fight would take place w/ you vs Nurmegamedov or Masvidal. We expected more than what we got. Props to YOU for..
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) January 26, 2020
that. But to know how tough Cowboy is, lots of fans like myself expected more and I don’t think @joerogan is right to question my knowledge about a fight just because I wasn’t satisfied with what I saw. I said what I said and I meant it. It’s possible to do that and still have…
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) January 26, 2020
Tremendous respect for you @TheNotoriousMMA, along with @joerogan. Both of you are fantastic for the @UFC. I wouldn’t enjoy it nearly as much without the both of you. I wish you both prosperity in the future. But we clearly disagree about Cowboy’s performance on Jan.18.#RESPECT
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) January 26, 2020
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