13. Nations Rally Behind Them
Sport fans can be really passionate and loyal. And when one athlete represents their nation, they rally behind them. They support these professionals heartfully. They cheer on them as if it is a matter of life and death.
Irish people are probably the best to embody this particular spirit. As McGregor said during one of his post-match octagon interviews, “And I brought my whole country with me. If one of us goes to war, we all go to war.”
And go to war, they do. Every time McGregor steps into the octagon, the whole Dublin shut themselves down. They take a break from whatever they are doing. They gather in front of their TVs at pubs or at home to watch his bout. And those who can afford it would go to wherever the bout takes place.
What McGregor has done is a pride to Irish nation. He is the first ever Irish fighter to become a world champion. And I’m sure there are a lot of kids in Ireland who train hard every day to follow his footsteps and carry on the torch.
Surely Mayweather has made United States proud as well. But his lights were still outshone by some of the former world’s greatest, such as Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson. He may be the best during his time, but arguably he is not THE all-time best from his nation.
