The Unexpected Nod: When Feuds Yield Professional Respect
In the highly competitive and often dramatic ecosystem of mixed martial arts, relationships between fighters, even those who share the same training facilities, rarely run smoothly. For the Irish contingent of SBG Dublin, this fact was recently underscored by a surprising digital détente between two high-profile names: the perennial superstar Conor McGregor and the newly minted OKTAGON two-division champion, Will Fleury.
Fleury’s ascent in the European promotion OKTAGON has been nothing short of rapid. Debuting in April 2024 as a Light Heavyweight, he quickly accumulated four consecutive victories, culminating in the capture of the vacant Heavyweight title. This ‘champ-champ’ status—a benchmark of dominance in the sport—naturally drew attention.
What was truly unexpected, however, was the source of some of the praise: Conor McGregor. This gesture was notably surprising, primarily because the two had engaged in a public, acrimonious social media feud late last year, rooted largely in diverging political viewpoints. McGregor, known for his ability to deliver verbal strikes with the same precision as his left hand, had previously offered what could only be described as scathing remarks against his gym counterpart.
Bridging the Political Divide Through the Fighter`s Code
In a recent interview, Fleury openly admitted his shock. Despite sharing the training facilities at SBG Dublin, he confirmed the two remain distant. “We hadn’t really talked. We don’t really talk to be honest,” Fleury stated, confirming the praise was an anomaly in their relationship. Yet, the public acknowledgment carried significant weight, suggesting a hierarchy of respect above personal differences.
“I was surprised by that and I respect that. As a fighter, and as an Irish fighter, you want to see other Irish fighters doing well, and I think he has that as well.”
Fleury’s analysis cuts through the political noise and internet drama, identifying a fundamental, unspoken rule within the fighting community: mutual professional admiration. This respect acts as an overriding protocol that transcends even profound political discord. Fleury confirmed that while the two are certainly not “besties,” he still wishes McGregor success in the cage, just as McGregor extended a nod to Fleury`s historic run in OKTAGON MMA.
The Legacy Challenge: Achieving What `The Notorious` Never Did
McGregor’s career is defined by iconic moments, none more visually compelling than him posing with two UFC belts after his dominant performance against Eddie Alvarez at UFC 205. However, the technical asterisk on McGregor’s dual-title achievement is the lack of a single defense; he transitioned almost immediately to boxing, leaving both UFC divisions in limbo. This critical detail means McGregor’s status as a `champ-champ` was validated by acquisition, not retention.
This is where Will Fleury’s path diverges and potentially offers a superior benchmark for championship validity. On December 28th, at OKTAGON 81, Fleury is scheduled for a pivotal match: a defense of his Heavyweight title against Martin Buday. Buday, a technically sound fighter who recently parted ways with the UFC despite a respectable 7-1 promotion record, is returning to OKTAGON to reclaim the belt he once vacated in 2021.
The stakes are clear: If Fleury successfully defends his Heavyweight strap against a tough challenger like Buday, he will achieve something Conor McGregor never did during his reign as a simultaneous champion—he will have legitimized his dual-title status through a successful defense. While the scale of the promotions differs vastly, the technical achievement of defending a championship in one of the two divisions you dominate provides a layer of enduring validation that the initial ‘champ-champ’ claim often lacks.
Fleury, therefore, has the opportunity to subtly rewrite the definition of Irish `champ-champ` success. His upcoming bout is not just a title defense; it is a chance to cement a legacy based on sustained divisional control, proving that professional admiration—even from a former rival like McGregor—is ultimately earned through effective, lasting performance.
