Michael Chiesa Comments On Conor McGregor’ Bus Attack Costing Him A Title Shot

In an interview with MMA Junkie, Michael Chiesa spoke about how Conor McGregor’s bus attack back in April ruined his chances at a possible title shot. Here are highlights:

On his thoughts on Conor Mcgregor: “I don’t really got a lot to say to the guy. I lost a title shot. I have proof. I was the highest ranked guy on the card. I would have stepped in to fight Khabib at the drop of a dime (after Max Holloway was pulled from the card). I’ve always loved the fight with Khabib. Bless his heart, he’s a cool-ass guy. But this is a sport, and I’ve always liked the way I matched up against him, and I got (expletive) out of that opportunity.”

On what he has to say to McGregor: “I don’t really have too many kind things to say to (McGregor). You work your whole life for those kinds of opportunities. Do I want mine on short order? No, I’d love a training camp. But, like I said, if they walked in the door now and said, ‘Hey, you want to fight for the title in the next 10 minutes?’ I’m out the door, I’m warming up, I’m ready to go.”

On moving on: “Not one person can ruin my love for mixed martial arts. My love for mixed martial arts will never waver. My love for the UFC will never waver. Just because some guy played up some theatrics WWE-style and took it a bit overboard and affected the lives of fighters and workers with the UFC, I’m not going to let one person’s actions directly affect how much I love this sport. The day I fall out of love with it, I’m hanging ’em up. It’s not worth it. If you’re gonna get punched in the face, elbowed, cut up, busted up, injured, have to cut weight, have to bring yourself to the brink of death to show up the next day and try to put on the performance of your life, you’ve got to love it. And if I don’t love it, it’s just not worth it to me. And that love will never die. I’m not going to let one guy spoil the party.”