Firas Zahabi Responds to Conor McGregor Fiery Tweet Re: Max Holloway Comments

After Firas Zahabi outlined why he thinks Max Holloway would take a rematch with Conor McGregor, the latter turned to social media to blast the Tristar coach. Now, Zahabi has responded to McGregor’s apparent anger regarding his analysis.

During a recent online correspondence with fans, Zahabi opined that Holloway would avenge his previous loss to McGregor, if they fought again. The renowned coach cited Holloway’s cardio, chin and comprehensive offense as reasons why.

Well, McGregor responded to Zahabi, and while doing so, he criticized the coach for not fighting. The former UFC champ also called Zahabi a “twerp” and argued he doesn’t know the star….

Not surprisingly, McGregor’s comments got back to Zahabi, and here’s some of what the latter had to say in response (quotes via Bloody Elbow):

“There was nothing personal,” Zahabi said. “The reason why I didn’t respond to McGregor (on Twitter) is he got personal, and I don’t do that.

“I kind of glanced over, then I realized it was about me, and realized he’s insulting me,” he said. “I thought to myself, ‘hey the double champ watches my podcast! That’s amazing! How great is that? I’m gonna give Conor McGregor a shoutout on my podcast.’

“Conor McGregor recently tweeted at me and said ‘look, why don’t you fight?’ Well, here’s my answer to you,” Zahabi said. “I was fighting at 145 as an amateur. I went to the university and got a degree. Why? Because there was no money in MMA.

“I had friends like Georges St-Pierre fighting in there, David Loiseau, and they were not making big bucks. Early on, they were making very little,” he said. “That lifestyle isn’t for everybody. I went to school and got an education.”

Now, will any of this temper McGregor’s annoyance here? Probably not. McGregor certainly seems to be an extremely competitive individual, so, the fact Zahabi’s analysis wasn’t mean to be a personal attack, probably won’t change the former champ’s mind.

All this aside, it remains to be seen when and who McGregor will fight next, following his submission loss to lightweight champ Khabib Nurmagomedov in October.  On account of the post-fight brawl that took place at the event, McGregor is still waiting to see if he’s suspended by the Nevada Commission.

McGregor faced the now reigning, featherweight champ Holloway in 2013, and earned a decision win over him. Since then, however, “Blessed” has won 13 straight fights and has established himself as one of the best fighters on the planet.