Conor McGregor dominated Jose Aldo this past Dec. 12 in Las Vegas (Photo: Instagram)

By Chris Robinson

On Dec. 13, UFC superstar Conor McGregor catapulted his career to new heights with a crushing 13-second knockout over former long-reigning featherweight champion Jose Aldo.

Brash, charismatic, and outspoken, McGregor is now considered by many to be the face of mixed martial arts.

In the wake of the Irishman’s victory, Floyd Mayweather, in an interview with FightHype.com, suggested that a large part of McGregor’s fame has to do with his race.

“They say he talks a lot of trash and people praise him for it, but when I did it, they say I’m cocky and arrogant,” Mayweather said. “So biased! Like I said before, all I’m saying is this: I aint racist at all, but I’m telling you racism still exists.”

McGregor took to his personal Instagram on Friday night and issue a response.

“Floyd Mayweather, don’t ever bring race into my success again,” said McGregor. “I am an Irishman. My people have been oppressed our entire existence. And still very much are. I understand the feeling of prejudice. It is a feeling that is deep in my blood.

“In my family’s long history of warfare there was a time where just having the name ‘McGregor’ was punishable by death,” he added. “Do not ever put me in a bracket like this again. If you want we can organize a fight no problem. I will give you a fair 80/20 split purse in my favour seen as your last fight bombed at every area of revenue.”

McGregor issued a final salvo.

At 27 years of age I now hold the key to this game. The game answers to me now.

Chris Robinson can be reached at CRobinson@hustleboss.com