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There are still those who doubt the fighting ability of top-ranked Featherweight contender, Conor McGregor, ahead of his much-anticipated title fight against division king, Jose Aldo, at UFC 189 on July 11, 2015.
Even though "Notorious" is undefeated inside the Octagon (5-0) with four finishes to his credit.
One thing that can't be discounted, however, is his popularity, as McGregor has quickly become one of the most talked about and promoted fighters under the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) banner. Still, there are those who will find a way to discredit the fiery Irishman.
And that's okay, according to McGregor, who recently penned an article for Independent in which he talked about his UFC rise, mixed martial arts (MMA) goals, family and, of course, the many doubters. Below is an excerpt that focuses on McGregor's "haters," whom he says hope to see him face down in a pool of his own blood one day.
His reaction, well, see for yourself:
"There has been a lot of bitterness out there toward me. Some say I'm overhyped, that I will fail. Let me tell you whatever gets said online never gets said to my face. But, this is life. When you reach a certain level it just seems to draw in some negative forces. The haters surface. I simply choose to leave the bitterness behind. As I said before I will wipe away the tears with my money. They pay their hard-earned money in the hope to one day seeing me face down in a pool of my own blood. I remain victorious, cash their hard-earned money and wipe my ass with it. Thank you for the purchase. Maybe next time it might happen. But, next time the price is doubled."
Aside from his wins inside the cage, he's done very well for himself outside of it, too, inking a solo sponsorship deal with Reebok and Monster Energy, as well as helping set the all-time ratings record for a FOX Sports 1 MMA event.
How else do you think he can afford to live like a king?
And if he happens to dethrone Aldo when the two finally throw down on Fourth of July weekend (details), perhaps he can turn some of those haters into fans. That, or perhaps it will only give his doubters further reason to hate on him.
And that's just fine by McGregor, too.
To read Conor's letter in its entirety click here.