After UFC welterweight Cathal Pendred announced his retirement from MMA, Conor McGregor praised his teammate in a Facebook post, calling him a “legend” and much more.
“A man who came from zero combat sports background and entered into the game at a time when there was ZERO UFC fighters signed from Ireland. At a time where 99% of people inside the Irish MMA community, and 100% of people outside, deemed it ‘impossible’ for and Irishman to get signed,” McGregor said, “let alone register a win inside the UFC. Nowadays everyone thinks they can do it.”
Pendred (17-4-1) was a semi-finalist on The Ultimate Fighter 19. Despite not making the finals, he was still given an official UFC fight afterwards. The fight came at the TUF Finale where Pendred defeated Mike King, then picked up three-straight victories after.
Here is McGregor’s Facebook post in it’s entirety:
Cathal Pendred = LEGEND!
A man who came from zero combat sports background and entered into the game at a time when there was ZERO UFC fighters signed from Ireland. At a time where 99% of people inside the Irish MMA community, and 100% of people outside, deemed it “impossible” for and Irishman to get signed, let alone register a win inside the UFC. Nowadays everyone thinks they can do it.
Cathal rose up with nothing but hard work, iron grit and a never say die attitude to win the Cage Warriors 170lbs title. Runner up in the Ultimate Fighter and boast a solid 4-2 record inside the UFC’s Octagon.
3 of those wins coming against opponents who failed post fight drug tests due to use of Performance Enhancing Drugs after the fight!
This man deserves endless respect!!!
You think Irish Warrior, you think Cathal!
You think against all odds underdog, you think Cathal!
You think come from behind victory, you think Cathal!!
Cathal brother, you are a legend!
Thank you for all the rounds and all the help over the years and I wish you nothing but the best my brother!!
You are a champion at whatever you decide to do in life!
McGregor is scheduled to fight Jose Aldo in a title unification bout at UFC 194 on December 12th.
