After Max Holloway stopped Jose Aldo for a second time to retain his UFC featherweight title this past Saturday, former champion Conor McGregor took to social media to take veiled shots at the new king of the 145-pound division. But while McGregor is attacking fighters he’s already beaten, the last man to beat McGregor was attacking the Irish superstar in kind.

Taking to his social media (video via Fight Hype), Floyd Mayweather Jr. declared that his August fight against McGregor was actually easier than it appeared and that he carried McGregor to put on a better show for the fans.

“Everybody tried to protest the Mayweather-McGregor fight, right? But I’m gonna tell y’all the truth, I’m gonna tell y’all the truth. You know I carried McGregor. You know I made it look good for y’all.”

One of the major narratives coming from the aftermath of the crossover superfight was the success McGregor appeared to have early on in the bout despite having never boxed before. McGregor actually landed more punches against Mayweather than did several of his most notable opponents, including future boxing Hall of Famers Miguel Cotto, Manny Pacquiao, and Shane Mosley. Several boxing figures had previously suggested the reason for this was Mayweather allowing McGregor to have success early, but this is the first time Mayweather himself has given credence to that speculation. In fact, Mayweather previously said that McGregor’s success was part of his game plan to tire the UFC champion out.

Needless to say, McGregor certainly would dispute Mayweather’s claim as the lightweight champion has said he knows he’d beat “the little motherf**ker” in a rematch, but “Notorious” currently has other fish to fry as, aside from possible fights with Tony Ferguson, Nate Diaz, Max Holloway, or even boxing matches against Manny Pacquiao or Oscar De La Hoya on the horizon. But whenever McGregor does respond to Mayweather, you can at least be certain that he won’t be pulling any punches.

MUST-READ STORIES

Max. Max Holloway says Conor McGregor is content holding onto win from “when we were kids.”

Move on. Luke Rockhold thinks Georges St-Pierre should move on from middleweight division.

No Time. Volkan Oezdemir is confident felony charge won’t affect his UFC title shot.

Response. Jose Aldo’s coach responds to critics following UFC 218.

VIDEO STEW

Rafael Lovato Jr. is turning into a very solid middleweight.

Chael talking about Alvarez-Gaethje.

Oscar letting go of the fight no one wanted.

These two guys did it again and now I’m certain this guy is the one to take the belt off Ngannou.

LISTEN UP

The MMA Hour. Holloway, Oezdemir, Poirier, and Rockhold were on yesterday.

Anik and Florian. UFC 218 recap and Henry Cejudo interview.

The Co-Main Event. What’s next for Holloway and Ngannou, and the Conor McGregor question.

SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE

This is gonna be dope.

Enjoy the belt while you can and say your farewell before your next fight .#AndNew https://t.co/30i41ZKP5b — Francis NGannou (@francis_ngannou) December 4, 2017

Twitter beef.

He won't fight me either. Neither one of them will take a fight with me I'll guarantee it. https://t.co/KaoROYtbPl — James Vick (@JamesVickMMA) December 4, 2017

I already fought you. — Michael Chiesa (@MikeMav22) December 5, 2017

Are you really saying I'm not deserving of a rematch after almost 6 yrs since our first fight and the @ufc record I have now? Come on bro.. https://t.co/ZbQbGIHGXV — James Vick (@JamesVickMMA) December 5, 2017

I’ll rematch you.....when it’s for a number 1 contender spot. Aside from that, I have no interest in rematching anyone I’ve finished soundly and uncontroversially. — Michael Chiesa (@MikeMav22) December 5, 2017

one day very soon I will be ranked above you and then imma do you like you've did me for 6 yrs now and say no to the fight ✌ — James Vick (@JamesVickMMA) December 5, 2017

James, I’ll give you credit where credit is due, you’re tough as fuck. Sorry I’m not chomping at the bit to rematch you. Can you blame me? Lol — Michael Chiesa (@MikeMav22) December 5, 2017

you're coming off a loss, haven't fought in 8 months and everyone ranked above you is either booked or injured and you want — James Vick (@JamesVickMMA) December 5, 2017

another big Main Event spot and we could get that on the February 18th card in my home State in Texas. What you got to lose? — James Vick (@JamesVickMMA) December 5, 2017

It’s been 5 1/2 months and I have a dance partner set already. — Michael Chiesa (@MikeMav22) December 5, 2017

yeah I

respect that for sure atleast he did respond unlike the rest of these clowns. — James Vick (@JamesVickMMA) December 5, 2017

Yup I was 4-0 and had only been Pro for 8 months. If he thinks I'm the same fighter he's delusional https://t.co/NHkYibv0qo — James Vick (@JamesVickMMA) December 5, 2017

I never said I think you’re the same fighter. But I ain’t no one trick pony no more either. — Michael Chiesa (@MikeMav22) December 5, 2017

Take all my money, Rener.

I invented a hoodie that turns into a backpack! The BEST gift for outdoorsy people! Order here https://t.co/GfvQGDqBSi pic.twitter.com/7MY9PsGvR7 — Rener Gracie (@RenerGracie) December 4, 2017

Shannon Sharpe putting Dana on blast.

#Nowyouknow.

Wow ... Francis Ngannou will open a -160 betting FAVORITE over the champion Stipe Miocic (+130), according @MMAOddsBreaker, if/when that fight becomes official. Even after UFC 218, that's not what I would have guessed. — Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) December 5, 2017

Making friends.

I think i will take @criscyborg up on that lunch offer. — Amanda Bobby Cooper (@ABCnation115) December 5, 2017

We have the best sushi in cali! https://t.co/Z0UJVj1oi1 — #UFC219 #CyborgVHolm (@criscyborg) December 5, 2017

I love sushi. Whenever I’m in Cali, lunch date. — Amanda Bobby Cooper (@ABCnation115) December 5, 2017

JDS saying he will stop Ngannou whenever they fight.

Eu mostro quando lutar com ele https://t.co/Nvj1GM1bgw — Junior Dos Santos (@junior_cigano) December 3, 2017

Everyone is ducking everyone.

Joanna back to work.

FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Timothy Johnson (11-4) vs. Luis Henrique (10-4); UFC Belem, Feb. 3.

FINAL THOUGHTS

In a close contest, Alvarez-Gaethje edged out Medeiros-Oliveira which I was a little bit surprised by but I guess the people have spoken. That’s gotta be the frontrunner for FOTY then.

Anyway, take it easy and see y’all tomorrow.

EXIT POLL

Poll Did Floyd "carry" Conor? This poll is closed. 68% Yes (1637 votes)

31% No (768 votes) 2405 votes total Vote Now

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