Conor McGregor called his UFC 189 opponent, Chad Mendes, a ''B-level'' fighter who easily tires out.
The two are set to clash on July 11 for the interim UFC featherweight title at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Mendes stepped up to fight McGregor after UFC champion Jose Aldo pulled out because of a rib injury.
"I think Chad is a substitute," McGregor told MMA Fighting.
"A B-level [fighter]. I think he's a wrestler with an overhand who gasses [out].''
The Irish MMA fighter said the 5'6'' Mendes easily tires out because of his bulk.
''I think his body weight to his height, his body is in disproportion, and I think that hampers him as a fighter. I think that's why he gasses and he gets that tired,'' said McGregor.
McGregor said that part of his strategy is to put pressure on Mendes until his opponent caves in.
''I'm having these exchanges and these scrambles, his belly is going to be breathing in and his body is going to be screaming for oxygen and I'm going to still be there in his face, cracking him with everything that I have. Every shot; the heel, the knee, the elbow, the fist, every shot in the book I have. And that will be that. Eventually he will give, like they all do," he said.
McGregor's said this after hearing that Mendes plans out to stop him in three rounds.
"Yeah, Conor I'm going to give you a little more respect buddy," Mendes said. "I'm going to finish you within the first three."
Mendes is confident that he will be able to stun the Irishman with his superior speed.
''I think my striking is going to be great," he said. "Conor's never faced anybody like me before. I have the athleticism, the strength, the power, the speed, and I have wrestling to put him on his back to finish this fight. This fight is mine.''
source: www.abs-cbnnews.com
