Conor McGregor praises Cathal Pendred: 'This man deserves endless respect'

UFC welterweight Cathal Pendred recently announced his retirement from active mixed martial arts competition and UFC featherweight interim champion Conor McGregor praised his teammate in a Facebook post, calling him a 'legend' (and much more).

"A man who came from zero combat sports background and entered into the game at a time when there was ZERO UFC fighters signed from Ireland. At a time where 99% of people inside the Irish MMA community, and 100% of people outside, deemed it 'impossible' for and Irishman to get signed," McGregor said, "let alone register a win inside the UFC. Nowadays everyone thinks they can do it.

"Cathal rose up with nothing but hard work, iron grit and a never say die attitude to win the Cage Warriors 170-pounds title. Runner up in The Ultimate Fighter and boast a solid 4-2 record inside the UFC's Octagon."

As McGregor mentioned in the social media post, Pendred (17-4-1) was a competitor on The Ultimate Fighter 19 last year but lost in the semi-finals. However, he was still given an official UFC bout afterwards, and at the TUF Finale, defeated Mike King. He picked up three-straight victories after his promotional debut, but is currently riding a two-fight skid with losses to Tom Breese and John Howard.

"This man deserves endless respect," McGregor said.

McGregor will meet Jose Aldo in a title unification bout at UFC 194 on December 12th.