Dos Anjos: McGregor Won't Win Brazilian Fans' Favor Like Ronda

Anyone that saw UFC 197's press conference on Wednesday knows that Conor McGregor has not been subtle in his efforts to alienate Rafael Dos Anjos from his native Brazilian fans.

The Irishman began his onslaught when his bout against the lightweight champion was announced as he posted an image of Dos Anjos' face superimposed on Uncle Sam's body. He upped the ante again on Wednesday as he declared that his victory on March 5 would be dedicated to "the people of Brazil".

"(Aldo) never came to America, he trusted his people unlike this guy standing across from me. That's why the people of Brazil love Jose Aldo," he boomed from the stage.

"(Dos Anjos) will never step off a plane and receive a hero's welcome in Brazil because he ran from the country of Brazil," he added during the sustained verbal attack.

"On March 5th I will behead Rafael Dos Anjos and I will drag his head through the streets of Rio de Janeiro, through a parade a people I would imagine. It will become a national holiday also."

While Dos Anjos had no choice but to sit through the mocks of McGregor as he attempted to "win the Brazilian fans" on Wednesday, the lightweight champion insisted he is biding his time to shut McGregor's mouth forever.

"I know he's trying to play these mind games, but they don't work with me," said Dos Anjos. "He has talked bad about Brazil many times and now he's trying to win the Brazilian fans. I'm a professional, I'm straight shooter, and I'm going to have to wait until March 5th to put my hands on this guy. Then I can shut his mouth forever."

McGregor constantly played on the fact that Dos Anjos left Brazil to move to the US. The featherweight champion goaded, "we (UFC and McGregor) had to book him a hotel in his hometown," as an example of how unpopular Dos Anjos is in his homeland.

However, the Brazilian argued that McGregor's assessment of his national support was "all a lie" and pointed to the ovation he received in his guest fighter capacity at UFC 190 as an illustration of his support in Brazil.

"When I was last over here in Brazil, I was there on the stage at UFC 190," he remembered. "Dana White put a belt on me and all the Brazilian fans were singing for me. It was me, Fabricio Werdum and Jose Aldo, and when we walked into the arena the fans went crazy. It's all a lie. He's just trying to create things in his own mind. He tries to keep himself on everybody's mind. That's what he's all about.

Some believe McGregor is trying to win the worship of the Brazilians like Ronda Rousey did when she faced Bethe Correia in Rio at UFC 190, but Dos Anjos scoffed at the idea.

"Not at all," he replied when asked if McGregor could the favor of the Brazilian MMA fans. "Not even close. People really don't like him here. He came over here and talked bad about Brazil. He argued with the Brazilian fans during the press conference. I know the Brazilian fans don't like him. Everybody I meet from Brazil says, 'please, shut this guy's mouth'."

While he might not have been full of praise in terms of McGregor's behavior, he did concede that the Irishman is a "good fighter". That being said, he also believes he has "faced better guys" in the past.

He said: "He is a good fighter, he has some skills, but I think I have faced better guys before. I have faced faster guys, I have faced taller guys and I think March 5 is just going to be another day at work for me. I'm training to fight against the best. Like I said, I have faced better guys before. He has a different style, but I think I can handle him. He will not become a two weight division champ."

Finally, the Kings MMA man outlined why it would mean so much for him to be the man who hands 'The Notorious' his first defeat inside the Octagon. Since the 27-year-old featherweight champ has launched insults at his country, his team and his trainer, there is nothing that could make Dos Anjos happier.

"I would like to be the man who beats him–for me, for my trainer, for my fans and for my team. He's been so disrespectful. He said that my gym is a bum's gym and we have two UFC champions in my place. Our coach, Master Rafael Cordeiro, has been in the game for almost 30 years.

"Conor McGregor was not even in this world when Master Rafael Cordeiro got involved in MMA. He's just been so disrespectful and for that (reason), I would be happy to be the first person to beat him in the Octagon."