Stephen Thompson maps road back to UFC and forgiveness for Conor McGregor
Stephen Thompson has admitted there a lot of UFC fighters really upset with Conor McGregor, but the American believes there is a path back for the disgraced MMA fighter.
McGregor was arrested and charged with assault and criminal mischief earlier this month when he attacked a bus carrying rival UFC fighters, injuring three people in the process.
UFC welterweight Thompson sympathizes with McGregor and suspects the Irishman never meant to attack anyone on the bus, other than Khabib Nurmagomedov.
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The Russian had confronted SBG team-mate Artem Lobov earlier in the week and Thompson believes McGregor was simply trying to defend his friend.
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There are some really upset fighters out there, Thompson told Metro.co.uk.
Youve got to understand, every eye is on you at all times. Do I think hes a loyal friend? Yes. I would love to have Conor McGregor have my back. The way he had Artems [Lobov], his buddys back.
I think theres also a right and a wrong way to go about it and he definitely chose the wrong way. And now he could possibly be paying people for the rest of his life because of the actions he took.
He added: What was kind of funny was, he had 30 guys rolling into Brooklyn with him, but not one of them was like “You know what, this may not be a good idea.” Not one guy was saying that.
I would be the first to say “Bro, lets think about this for a second.” Throwing dollies at cars, injuring fighters, coming close to ruining the entire card.
I think hes got a short temper, but I do believe hes regretting it now after the hearing. Hopefully hell learn from it.
Two fighters Michael Chiesa and Ray Borg were injured during the melee in which McGregor hurled dollies at the bus, breaking windows and sending glass shattering onto the fighters and other UFC personnel.
What I think has happened was Conor McGregor thought it was only Khabib and his guys on the bus, Thompson continued.
MORE: On-board footage shows the shocking moment Conor McGregor smashed UFC bus window
I dont think he realised there were other fighters on the bus. And when he threw that trolley I beat he was like “Oh crap, Ive messed up now.” That could possibly be it, but after all the court stuff is settled that fight has to happen.
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McGregor now faces possible jail time if he is found guilty when he returns for his hearing in June, but it is more likely the 29-year-old will come to some sort of settlement rather than serve a sentence.
The UFC have softened their stance on McGregor since the bus attack and the door seems to be open for the fighter to seek redemption in the promotion.
And with Nurmagomedov suggesting to McGregor they should settle their differences in a street fight, Thompson believes the UFC stars comeback showdown is already in place.
He said: That fight right there is already in the making. Conor McGregor vs Khabib Nurmagomedov could possibly be the biggest fight in UFC history.
After all the beef, its done – all they need to do is sign the paperwork. Everything would be forgiven.
That would be a crazy fight. I dont know if that was Conors whole plan to begin with. I dont know, that was kind of a dumb way to do it. But that could have been his thinking.
MORE: Conor McGregor posts cryptic Instagram post after being charged with assault
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