And so the social media war begins. There have been suggestions that, in the aftermath of last weekend's UFC action, Conor McGregor may be less than delighted to still see Rafael dos Anjos standing in his way of the lightweight belt. That may be true when you consider that Donald Cerrone would have been a much better fight in terms of interest being generating and even in terms of the ideal style of fight from the Dubliner.
However, it's once again a Brazilian standing in McGregor's way and the war of words has just begun in earnest. Jose Aldo has been criticised for not doing his part in selling UFC 189 and subsequently UFC 194. A lot of that is down to the fact that he doesn't speak English thus leaving him somewhat out in the cold when it comes to the UFC's business model.
However, if a lightweight title fight is next up for the Dubliner, it seems Dos Anjos may be willing to get down to the nitty gritty of trading verbal barbs to build some added interest.
The Brazilian took the chance during his post fight interview on Saturday to address McGregor's insistence that the lightweight belt was next on his list of priorities. The featherweight champ responded to that with a suggestion to 'line them up on their knees with their hands out. I want them to beg me'.
As tends to happen, Dos Anjos has taken the bait. In terms of what we've seen from other fighters in the past it's not exactly filled with ire and hatred but it's notable nonetheless.
Now he wants me to beg??? I may have misunderstood that he wanted my belt.
In other words, that's a damn good indication that Dos Anjos knows where his next paycheque is coming from. McGregor is the big payday and the Brazilian is kicking off that well worn path of trading some social media barbs to ensure it happens. We'll look forward to plenty more of this over the coming months.
See also: Conor McGregor Has A Boards.ie Account And This Post From 2011 Is Pure McGregor Gold
And just as an aside, those Brazilians really do love a good Jesus hashtag. Tis the season and all that.
