Conor McGregor blamed for Ebanie Bridges losing world title in upset defeat

Boxing fans have pointed the finger at Conor McGregor after Ebanie Bridges suffered defeat by Miyo Yoshida in the pair's IBF bantamweight world title clash. The UFC icon has been blamed following his promotional stunts involving the Blonde Bomber leading up to the bout.

Bridges and Yoshida's fight came as part of the undercard of Devin Haney vs Regis Prograis in San Francisco. The pair were vying for the IBF bantamweight world title - held by Bridges for 21 months at the time.

The Japanese boxer went into the bout at the 7/1 underdog, with Bridges coming off of a four-fight winning streak. Despite the odds being stacked against Yoshida, the fighter impressed throughout the clash having suffered a series of big hits early into the tie.

The 35-year-old managed to hold on and, thanks to a flurry of late hits, claimed a deserved win via unanimous decision after going the distance. While fans reacted with surprise at the result, others sought to point the blame at McGregor following Bridges' involvement to promote the UFC fighter's Forged Irish Stout brand.

"Ebanie Bridges feeling the full force of The McGregor Effect right now," one fan added, with another posting: "Ebanie Bridges puts in more effort in @forgewhisky by Conor McGregor than her fight with Yoshida. Yoshida was just too fast, too strong for her. Leaving Tibbs boxing was a mistake. Too sharp and active for a slow Bridges."

"Get nudity out of boxing," another fan posted on X following the result. "This is the best result on the night. Ebanie Bridges is no longer focusing on her boxing. But on nudity on weighing day to impress #Onlyfan and Conor Mcgregor. She puts more energy into this than boxing recently."

The comments from boxing fans may be of reference to Bridges' recent publicity stunt ahead of her title defense. In the weigh-ins before the clash, the Australian sported a temporary tattoo with the Forged Irish Stout logo on her torso while wearing lingerie.

The stunt will come as no surprise with both Bridges and McGregor having worked together to promote the business on several occasions. Bridges has also sported similar attire ahead of the majority of her recent fights.

Despite her working relationship with McGregor coming under fire, Bridges has insisted that her defeat is soley down her opponent being the better competitior on the night.

"Absolutely gutted, it wasn’t my night. Big congrats to my opponent @MiyoBluedog she was the better fighter tonight," Bridges posted to her 350,000 followers on X. 

"Beautiful & humble, single mother. Seeing how much that win meant to her & her daughter did give me some warmth inside. A loss doesn’t define me. I have no quit, it’s all learning and I’ll be back better & stronger. Thank you to everyone who supports me. I love you all."

Yoshida has also spoken out on Bridges following her win, saying: "Thank you for being a great champion. You are a great person with great skills, achievements, accomplishments and personality.

"I respect you and I am very proud of you. Thank you for giving me, an unknown, a chance I can see why she is loved worldwide."