Why did Conor McGregor slam Islam Makhachev on social media ahead of UFC 302?
The Irishman called out the undefeated Dagestani fighter on X ahead of his title defense with Dustin Poirier.
A few hours before the fight between Islam Makhachev and Dustin Poirier with the lightweight title on the line at UFC 302, social networks exploded due to some insinuations against one of the stars of the main event, Islam Makhachev. The Russian has been accused of having a staphylococcus infection following some images that the company shared, and Conor McGregor didn’t hesitate to attack the Russian and his team.
The controversy started when ESPN journalist Andrew Feldman shared one of the company’s promotional photos with Makhachev appearing holding the belt, a few days before the fight, and pointed to a mark on the champion’s leg.
“It’s not a UFC PPV fight week without MMA Twitter becoming experts in staph infections. I am far from a doctor, but Islam’s leg looks to have something going on,” Feldman said.
What did McGregor say about Makhachev’s possible Staph infection?
Staph infections are common among fighters. The feet are usually the most affected by this infection, which can cause fever, boils, and blisters. These bacteria get inside a cut or abrasion, and a boil develops. Despite the accusations, it hasn’t been confirmed that Makhachev suffers from it. Dustin Poirier, his rival this weekend, was hospitalized a few years ago for this infection.
McGregor quickly attacked both the Russian and his team, including Khabib Nurmagomedov.
“Staph again. This in***d however lives with Staph. This team is infected, make no mistake. Scruff balls. Whatever ya’s are into, I suppose. He still subs Dustin in the 1st.
He followed that up with a second tweet that he deleted later. “Yous absolute scruffy fucks I’m sick of yous. Wash your f*cking self! Wash your clothes! Wash your mats! And do it f*cking every day you scruffy c*nts,” the Irishman shared. Neither Makhachev nor his team have commented on McGregor’s comments.