Conor McGregor has accused "jack***" Justin Gaethje of pretending to be asleep after being submitted by Charles Oliveira at UFC 274.
The Irish star provided a running commentary during the two lightweight contests taking place in Phoenix last weekend, including Oliveira's meeting with Gaethje. The American ultimately fell short in his title challenge after tapping out from a rear-naked choke in the opening round.
McGregor has mocked Gaethje in new criticism of his rival's performance, tweeting: "This absolute clown! The aul pretend to be asleep after he tapped as well lol. Jacka**." The image posted with the criticism showed Gaethje on the floor with his eyes closed while being choked by Oliveira.
WARNING: STRONG LANGUAGE
A second image shows Gaethje after tapping out from the hold, while continuing to have his eyes closed in response to the defeat. This was the second time in as many title challenges that the contender had been submitted having been defeated by Khabib Nurmagomedov in 2020.
Gaethje has previously exchanged verbal jabs with McGregor over a potential fight during the Irishman's time at 155lb but a fight never materialised. McGregor had already criticised Gaethje during a post-fight assessment accusing the star of talking "dribble".
"Gaethje is a jackass," McGregor wrote on Twitter. "The amount of absolute dribble he speaks as well. Over and over. A Grade-A jackass! A bird brain with a bird-brain manager. Two bum t**** they are. He is a jackass."
What do you think is next for Justin Gaethje after his defeat? Let us know in the comments section below
Gaethje now faces another rebuild in an attempt to challenge for the title a third time, which is currently vacant after Oliveira was stripped of the belt. McGregor was promptly challenged by Oliveira after the fight was stopped, with the Brazilian keen to take on the best in the division.
However it appears unlikely the 33-year-old will make a return to the lightweight division having instead proposed a return at 170lb. McGregor provided a lukewarm response to Oliveira's offer, tweeting: "I’m not sure I wish to cut the weight. I am really enjoying being built like a refrigerator. I feel I want to fight at this size just to watch it back lol. But I’d love to fight the Brazilian, 100 per cent! I love Brazil and I’m unbeaten against Brazil. All KO’s. I’ve some thinking to do."
McGregor was also called out by Michael Chandler who produced a brutal KO of Tony Ferguson earlier on the card to edge closer to a another title shot of his own. The Irishman accepted the American's call after he proposed a fight at 170lbs.
"I’d have a nice knock off this guy, no doubt about it," he said. "A firework spectacle. I like the 170 shout also. Tipped him over. I’m definitely game to fight this guy at some stage in my career. I see it happening after tonight. Congrats on a solid win Michael and another barnstormer."
