Conor McGregor Speaks Out On Issues With Paulie Malignaggi

MMA Junkie reports that during a media workout event in Las Vegas, Conor McGregor spoke about the issues he’s had with Paulie Malignaggi. The former boxer left McGregor’s training camp for his fight with Floyd Mayweather after McGregor “disrespected him” by posting a photo of himself standing over Malignaggi on social media. Here are highlights:

On Malignaggi’s decision to leave: “He was looking for an exit. The spars were not good for him. He took a lot of head trauma. Straight after it we were worried. The sparring partners were actually telling us when he was dropped back at the home that he was stumbling out of the car after the 12-rounder. He was flattened against the ropes; multiple times the ropes kept him on his feet. We were worried about him. We thought the worst was about to happen. He was certainly badly concussed. And then he just got out of there and went running.”

On Malignaggi’s ego: “He showed (up), he tried his best, it didn’t go his way. He got his ass whooped, he got his pride dented, and then he wanted a way out. What better way for a guy like him to exit under a load of questions. He was flattened. What can I say? He got his ass whooped. But I like the guy. He’s kind of like a lovable mouthpiece.”

On if he’s worried Malignaggi may go to help Mayweather: “Let him speak (to Mayweather). I’m sure he has. You can’t prepare for me. … There’s nobody in the game that moves like me and that strikes like me and has the confidence like me. So let them talk.”