Casting aspersions.
Chad Mendes became an overnight fan of the Irish, at UFC 189, despite losing to Conor McGregor at the event.
The Californian gained a load of respect from Irish MMA followers when he paid tribute to the green army that had turned the MGM Grand in Las Vegas into party central.
Minutes after the fight, Mendes told Joe Rogan, ‘What’s awesome is this Irish guys; you guys are crazy. I absolutely love it. I wish we had so much support like this with everyone here [in the USA]. It’s unbelievable to see you guys and how much support you have for your athletes.’
Mendes is now scheduled to fight Frankie Edgar at The Ultimate Fighter 22 finalé, in Vegas, the night before McGregor faces Jose Aldo at UFC 194.
He spoke with FOX Sports, to promote the bout, and spoke about some of the Irish fans he bumped into before his clash with McGregor.
Mendes commented, ‘There was a point where I was walking from the workout room to my room and I had a couple of drunk Irishmen following me, talking crap. It was crazy.’
One of those fans – Kieran McMahon – disputes Mendes’ claims.
@SportsJOEdotie we weren't that drunk Chad pic.twitter.com/dy7lSbZcrW
— Kieran McMahon (@KieranCedrick) August 28, 2015
Apparently, Urijah Faber, who is coaching a team against McGregor at TUF 22, was also on hand… and hands on.
Hat-tip: Kieran McMahon
