LOOKING at the scenes of Irish fans singing and dancing into the early hours of yesterday morning, one could be forgiven for thinking Conor McGregor was victorious in his Las Vegas showdown with Floyd Mayweather.
Despite the two-division UFC champion losing to 'Money' Mayweather via a tenth-round TKO, McGregor took to the post-fight press conference with his head held high.
Clutching a bottle of his own brand 'Notorious' Irish whiskey, McGregor thanked Irish fans who travelled to Sin City for what is estimated to have been the most lucrative fight in sporting history.
Warning: video contains strong language
"We represent ourselves with pride wherever we go, we raise that flag so high," he said.
"I actually had a custom-made fur coat I was going to walk out with, but I chose to wear the Irish flag instead. We are a proud people, we come, we love a fight, we love anyone that can stand toe-to-toe and fight."
"I’m just very proud of all my people and my country like I always am."
When questioned about his immediate plans, the brash UFC champion said he would be blowing off some steam before returning to the fight game.
"I'm going to hit Ibiza for a childhood friend's wedding and I’m going to charter a 100ft yacht,” he said.
"We’re going to have a big party on it, take a load of pictures and have fun. Those are my plans and then we'll see what's next."
Among the thousands of travelling Irish fans, there were a few familiar faces soaking in the atmosphere on the sunset strip in the lead up to the bout.
Belfast boxers Carl Frampton, Paddy Barnes and the Conlan brothers were spotted joining in the sing-a-longs around the T-Mobile arena prior to the weigh-in.
