There’s a perfectly good explanation for this.
The BBC were caught up in the UFC 189 hype as Conor McGregor claimed the interim featherweight belt with a crushing TKO win over Chad Mendes.
The Beeb have slowly got on-board the MMA train but have given McGregor some high exposure in recent months.
In their fight report, today, they sought to explain the significance of the Irishman’s title win to their key demographic – the UK audience.
The statement, that McGregor is the first UFC champion from the UK and Republic of Ireland, is factually correct.
However, that did not sate some fight fans. Here is a small sampling.
@JOEdotie @SportsJOEdotie Any idea why BBC are reporting McGregor is "first UFC champion from the UK & Rep of Ireland"http://t.co/x8yTZ14rYZ
— Jacob Tierney🍥 (@jacobzur) July 12, 2015
BBC trying to do a Andy Murray to McGregor? http://t.co/kRWX7Ma9cd pic.twitter.com/QdfxBZgwMu
— Ross. (@ItsHoggie) July 12, 2015
https://twitter.com/BarryLandyDITB/status/620245819392856064
This was in response to a BBC Sport tweet about ‘Irish fighter’ Conor McGregor’s success.
@BBCSport nice of you to FINALLY get on this sports bandwagon. Now let's see you report more MMA related news on your website #UFC
— Hywel Davies 🎈🎈🎈 (@howlindavies) July 12, 2015
Hat-tip: Jacob Tierney
