Conor McGregor praises Ireland’s Katie Taylor after controversial war

On Saturday night, shortly after UFC Stockholm, and shortly before Anthony Joshua’s shocking heavyweight title loss to Andy Ruiz Jr., Irish champ Katie Taylor returned to the ring to battle rangy Belgian southpaw Delfine Persoon. The pair collided with the WBA, WBO, WBC and IBF titles on the line.

In the end, Taylor won this fight — but by a thin margin. After 10 thrilling rounds, the Irishwoman was awarded a close majority decision victory, becoming the unified champ in the process.

The backlash and debate surrounding this outcome was almost immediate on social media.

Among those to chime in was former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor — an ardent Katie Taylor fan.

He had high praise for his countrywoman, but admitted that a rematch between Katie Taylor and Delfine Persoon might be necessary after such a close content.

Congratulations Ireland’s Katie Taylor! What a battle that was from two warrior women.
It has rematch written all over it.
Rematch in Ireland!
Katie’s Frazier, Delfine Persoon!
Wow 😮

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) June 2, 2019

Buzzing after that.
So intriguing to see Katie face an opponent of that style. Heavy forward pressure with a skilled clinch game.
A rematch knowing what style lies ahead would show the real gulf in class between the two, but that’s a great rival!
We all need them. That’s Katie’s!

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) June 2, 2019

“Congratulations Ireland’s Katie Taylor! What a battle that was from two warrior women. It has rematch written all over it. Rematch in Ireland! Katie’s Frazier, Delfine Persoon! Wow.

“Buzzing after that. So intriguing to see Katie face an opponent of that style. Heavy forward pressure with a skilled clinch game. A rematch knowing what style lies ahead would show the real gulf in class between the two, but that’s a great rival! We all need them. That’s Katie’s!” – Conor McGregor on Twitter.

Conor McGregor so enjoyed this war between Katie Taylor and Delfine Persoon that he claimed it reinvigorated his own desire to return to the boxing ring.

Boxing is great, I am going to relish another go!
I challenge Juan Manuel Mayweather to a rematch.
Under the tutelage of my old club.
We’ll see then mate.

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) June 2, 2019

“Boxing is great, I am going to relish another go! I challenge Juan Manuel Mayweather to a rematch. Under the tutelage of my old club. We’ll see then mate.” – Conor McGregor on Twitter.

Does a rematch between Katie Taylor and Delfine Persoon interest you? How did you score their fight in New York City?

This article first appeared on BJPENN.COM on 6/2/2019.