Often considered one of the best on the mic during his iconic run in the UFC, Conor McGregor met his match in the most unlikely of contenders during his historic rise.
Quipping one-liners with ease at the peak of his powers in the promotion, former two-weight champion Conor McGregor has often been compared to the veteran Chael Sonnen when it comes to that facet of his game.
And whether he was pitted against Jose Aldo, or even Khabib Nurmagomedov during his prime in the sport, the Dubliner seemed to ruffle feathers aplenty — particularly against the latter.
However, ahead of his history-making Octagon win, the veteran was left stuck for words by a rather deep-seated jibe.
Eddie Alvarez ripped Conor McGregor over social welfare history
Already scooping the featherweight championship, McGregor vowed to become the first two-weight champion in the promotion, holding both belts simultaneously.
And drawing veteran brawler Eddie Alvarez at UFC 205 in late 2016, McGregor was afforded his chance at a history-making feat.
However, following a tense pre-fight press conference on this day nine years ago, McGregor was left stuck for words by the Philadelphia veteran.
Jibed over his history of social welfare benefits, McGregor was tongue-tied for a response to Alvarez.
“You were on welfare, bro,” Alvarez told McGregor. “You ain’t no man. You took welfare. Don’t talk about money — don’t you talk about money.
“You took money from single moms,” Alvarez continued. “Single moms go on welfare, not men. You don’t talk about money, alright? Keep your mouth shut when it’s talking about money.”
Visibly searching out a response, the best McGregor could muster was, “All I do is talk about money.”
Conor McGregor’s last laugh over Eddie Alvarez
Drawing the defending lightweight champion later that week in 2016, it’s fair to say the veteran holds ultimate bragging rights over Alvarez.
Credited with a pair of opening round knockdowns against the titleholder, McGregor was at the absolute peak of his powers in his first outing at the lightweight limit during his Octagon tenure.
Needing just minutes in the second round to make history as the first two-weight champion held simultaneously in UFC antiquity, McGregor flattened Alvarez with a hellacious combination in a statement knockout win.