Conor McGregor tried to take over the world of boxing this year, but fell short in his professional debut.
On Aug. 26, the UFC lightweight champion went toe-to-toe with boxing legend Floyd Mayweather Jr. for one of the year’s most highly anticipated events. McGregor held his own against Mayweather for nine rounds, but suffered a TKO loss in the tenth.
Following the loss, Conor McGregor has come forward to express that he believes Hall of Fame referee Robert Byrd stopped the fight too early. McGregor thinks he could have stood his own a little longer. Well, Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) Executive Director Bob Bennett has come forward with a response to McGregor’s recent criticisms.
As reported by MMA Mania, here is what Bob Bennett had to say:
“All I can say is we did our job. That’s what we get paid to do and that’s what we did. I find it very disappointing that Conor would make derogatory remarks that the fight was stopped too early when really the timing of referee Robert Byrd’s stoppage was impeccable. We looked out for his health and safety. We did everything we could to ensure it was a level playing field. I think the fight was very exciting. The fans loved it. The health and safety of the fighter was always at the forefront, from the beginning of the fight. There’s no doubt Conor did a phenomenal job, fighting a future Hall of Famer. Obviously, Floyd had his game plan that worked as well. The actual stoppage, we looked out for the health and safety of the fighter, which is our responsibility.”
