Conor McGregor believes his showdown against Floyd Mayweather was brought to a premature conclusion – even if he praised his opponent’s ‘composure’ in the ring.
McGregor defied many predictions to last until the 10th round of his Las Vegas clash against Mayweather, before the former world champion’s clean shots eventually took their toll.
The UFC lightweight title holder’s early exertions hampered him from the fourth round onwards, but the 29-year-old insists it was fatigue, rather than punishment, that he was suffering from when the referee stopped the contest.
Conor McGregor said his fight against Floyd Mayweather was stopped too early by the referee
McGregor and Mayweather were respectful after the fight at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas
McGregor is beaten but not bowed after his 10th round defeat to Mayweather on Saturday
‘I thought he was a little bit early with the stoppage. He should have let me keep going,’ said McGregor.
‘I was just a little bit fatigued. It was a long haul.
‘I thought we were close. I was just getting a bit wobbly with the fatigue. That’s why I thought the referee could keep it going. Let the man put me down.’
A mutual show of respect between the two fighters at the end of an absorbing contest
The referee steps in to stop the fight as Mayweather gets on top in the 10th round
Mayweather recovered from a slow start to take control of the fight and grind McGregor down
McGregor was in the ascendancy for the opening three rounds, yet the gulf in experience between the pair became more evident as the bout wore on.
‘I took the early rounds and then he had to change his style and come more forward,’ said McGregor.
‘He’s composed. He’s not that powerful, but he’s composed.
‘He was pacing his shots. I’ve got to give him a lot more respect, fair play to him.
‘He’s handy enough. That’s what 50 pro fights will give you.’
McGregor is rocked backwards as Mayweather connects with the left hand in Las Vegas
McGregor more than held his own in the first few rounds, landing a left here
McGregor added: ‘I’ve been strangled on live TV and came back so I would have liked him to let it go. I thought it was close, it’s fatigue so maybe the ref could have let it go. Let me go down.
‘I don’t know. I’m having a buzz. The game changes every time. I thought I was close, I thought I had him in the early rounds. Let me wobble back to the corner and let him put me down.
‘No-one’s taken these risks so f*** it.’