'Muhammad Ali of the UFC': Katie Taylor says Conor McGregor is underappreciated in Ireland

Some of the biggest sports stars in the world normally have a massive following wherever they are from in the world. According to undisputed champion Katie Taylor, Conor McGregor does not get much praise from his home of Ireland.

Speaking on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, Taylor discussed the career of McGregor and what he has done for the sport of MMA and Ireland in general. McGregor has helped open the door for other international fighters. Taylor, however, believes that McGregor does not get as much acclaim in Ireland compared to anywhere else. She has compared to him one of the most legendary and influential boxers of all time. 

“He’s always been a fantastic support to me, but I think he’s just someone who’s actually transcended the sport,” Taylor stated, via MMA Fighting. “He’s like, for me, the Muhammad Ali of the UFC. He’s just a fantastic athlete. A great businessman as well. But what he’s done in the sport and the UFC has been absolutely incredible, and I don’t think he’s celebrated as much as he should be here in Ireland. I think he is an absolute global superstar and just a phenomenal athlete, and he’s always been a complete gentleman towards me.”

Taylor, a 2012 Olympic gold medalist, made her professional debut in 2016. In her seventh fight, she won the WBA Lightweight Title and has continued to collect gold since. She is the current undisputed lightweight champion and has defended a version of the gold she wears twelve times. Taylor is scheduled to face seven-division champion Amanda Serrano sometime in 2022.

Both fighters trained at Crumlin Boxing Club, and McGregor has been a big supporter of Taylor throughout her career. Taylor’s praise of McGregor’s career results from the success he has had over the years.