Conor McGregor Says CM Punk Is "Afraid"

Conor McGregor, Ireland's rising UFC superstar, is a controversial figure in the MMA world, mainly due to criticism from the likes of Jose Aldo (who referred to him as a court Jester) and Matt Brown that suggested he talked his way into being a possible title contender. Not to mention fans who feel he's just an Irish version of Chael Sonnen without the drug scandals. It should come as little surprise, then, that McGregor isn't overly critical of the UFC signing former WWE champ CM Punk, because he knows the value having a larger-than-life personality brings - but he does have a rather unique take on Punk's words and actions when the signing was announced. According to McGregor, speaking to Severe MMA,

Listening to him speak, when I heard the broadcast announcement I saw a man afraid. Like he signed up for something he didn't want to be. When the shin bone cracks the body or the elbow cracks or the heel cracks... It doesn't get much more real than that. Personally, I don't think he should be in this league just yet, but again, you bring asses to the seats, you bring eyeballs to the screen and we will give you a shot.

McGregor, better than nearly anyone on the current UFC roster, understands how important it is to be a draw in the UFC right now, putting butts in seats. Revenues took a severe hit in the UFC over the past year, thanks in part to injuries and a declining roster of stars - the exact conditions that led to CM Punk being signed in the first place. McGregor himself has capitalized on the situation like no other. Is Punk really afraid, however? He has been humble, and hasn't talked openly of walking in, owning the place, or even mentioned a run for the title. He has outright stated that he could get his ass kicked - but in that, Punk simply seems to be speaking honestly, knowing full well the chances of embarking upon an MMA run at age 36. Time will tell, but it's doubtful we'll see Punk back out at this point. Winning or losing, well that's another matter.