"Talking to some lady that deep down doesn't give a f*** about what I'm doing, but just wants some sound bites so she can maybe get her little tight ass a nice raise, and I'm cool with that too, I've been giving you all raises."
The "tight little ass" comment from Conor McGregor in Thursday afternoon's statement has seen the UFC Featherweight Champion come under pressure in Ireland and abroad for his views on women.
McGregor was widely criticised for his use of the phrase when he was explaining the reasons for his 44-hour retirement, which subsequently saw the Dubliner dropped from his main event fight at UFC 200 against Nate Diaz.
Also the line "so she can maybe get her little tight ass a nice raise" is insulting to any woman who ever interviewed him. Idiot.
— Jonathan Healy (@jonathanhealy) April 21, 2016
The "little tight ass" thing isn't gonna go down well.
— Seán Sheehan (@SeanSheehanBA) April 21, 2016
"...get her little tight ass a nice raise," says Conor McGregor. Just to clarify, I gave a f*** and got no raise. Go raibh maith agat.
— MaireT (@MaireTNC) April 21, 2016
Journalist Amy O'Connor was quick to point out previous comments made by McGregor when tweeting about the Love/Hate character, Trish. Is this the type of language that should be used in public by a star with such a recognisable profile?
Here's Conor talking about 'pounding' Trish from Love/Hate, stealing her 'panties' and using the hashtag '#HORNY' pic.twitter.com/IEmLQTZcK1
— amy o'connor (@amyohconnor) April 21, 2016
Three years ago, The Notorious was forced into a public apology, after crudely tweeting about his preference between UFC fighters Ronda Rousey and Miesha Tate.
Despite McGregor's comments towards Rousey, he has since spoken about how much he respects the former UFC Champion. When Rousey still held the belt in 2015, McGregor told Sports Illustrated; "I swear on my life her back muscles were the most solid back muscles I'd ever felt in my life. I thought if this lady was to get a hold of me, she would throw me on my head in literally one second flat."
When the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge was at its peak, McGregor took part and nominated Irish model Georgia Salpa. It's worth listening to video to see his reasons for nominating her, making a specific reference towards her breasts.
More recently, McGregor was on CNBC promoting his fight with Nate Diaz when he caught presenter Jane Wells off guard. "I could talk money and numbers with you all day lady. Send me a picture. See what you look like." A clearly embarrassed Wells responded that McGregor wouldn't want a picture before he cut in. "Don't be silly. Send it. Don't be shy."
It's a side of McGregor that is not widely seen or known, but seems to be increasingly seeping into his public persona. For an athlete that is as popular with men, women and children, that needs to change.
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