Lyoto Machida: 'We should respect Conor McGregor'

It's fair to say that Conor McGregor isn't most Brazilian MMA fans' favorite fighter. The Irishman has insulted Brazilian and featherweight world champion Jose Aldo, as well as antagonized fans themselves during a recent Q & A session in Brazil (above).

There is at least one Brazilian UFC star that doesn't mind McGregor's hype and trash talk, however - Lyoto Machida. The former light heavyweight champ and current middleweight contender said in a recent interview that he understands why McGregor behaves the way he does.

"He can promote himself the way he wants. I don’t see [McGregor] as a bad person," Machida told Guilherme Cruz.

"He’s right, he’s promoting himself this way, and we have to respect him."

That isn't to say that Machida thinks McGregor has a great chance of beating Jose Aldo, should they meet, however. If you’re going to compare him to Jose Aldo, Aldo is technically better," Machida explained.

[McGregor] is a tough fighter, he’s coming out strong, but you can’t say he beats Aldo. Aldo is too dominant."

Are you able to separate an arrogant fighter's bluster from his skills as an athlete, the way Machida seems to? Let us know in the comments section!

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