If you were scrolling through Instagram in the summer of 2017, you probably remember the absolute chaos leading up to "The Money Fight." It was a circus. Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor were basically touring the world just to scream at each other. But then, out of nowhere, Draymond Green decided to jump into the middle of it.
He probably regretted it pretty quickly.
Most people saw the headline and thought, "Oh, two loud guys are arguing." But there was a much darker, weirder layer to the Conor McGregor Draymond Green exchange than just a jersey dispute. It wasn't about the Golden State Warriors, and it definitely wasn't about Draymond. It was a calculated, savage dig at Floyd Mayweather’s personal history that Draymond accidentally walked right into.
How the Conor McGregor Draymond Green Beef Started
It all kicked off when a photo surfaced of Conor McGregor wearing a No. 23 Golden State Warriors throwback jersey. Draymond Green, being the defensive anchor and resident trash-talker of the Warriors, saw the number and took it personally. He posted the photo on his own Instagram with a caption that basically told Conor to take the jersey off because "We rocking with Floyd bro not you."
Draymond thought he was defending his "brand" and his number.
He was wrong.
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Conor’s response was immediate and incredibly dismissive. He didn't just clap back; he acted like he didn't even know who Draymond Green was. In the world of elite athletes, that’s the ultimate disrespect. McGregor commented: "That’s C.J. Watson mate. I don’t know who the f**k you are. No disrespect tho kid keep hustling and stay in school."
Who is C.J. Watson?
To understand why this was so disrespectful, you have to know who C.J. Watson is in the context of Floyd Mayweather. In 2010, Mayweather was involved in a domestic violence incident with Josie Harris, the mother of his children. According to court documents and reports from the time, the altercation began because Mayweather found text messages from C.J. Watson on Harris’s phone.
Mayweather eventually served two months in jail for the assault.
By wearing that specific No. 23 jersey—the one Watson wore during his time with the Warriors—McGregor wasn't supporting a basketball team. He was trolling Mayweather with one of the lowest blows imaginable. He was literally wearing the jersey of the man who triggered Mayweather’s most infamous legal trouble.
The Aftermath of the Instagram Exchange
Draymond didn't take the "stay in school" comment lying down. He fired back with a list of his accolades: NBA championships, All-Star appearances, Defensive Player of the Year awards. He even mentioned Nate Diaz "whooping" Conor in the Octagon.
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But honestly? The damage was done.
McGregor’s final word on the matter was a masterclass in psychological warfare. He told Green: "Now ask yourself why I'm rocking C.J. when I don't give a f**k about basketball. I dribble heads off the floor. Not a ball. This is no game here kid."
It was a reminder that while Draymond was playing a sport with rules and referees, Conor was preparing for a combat sport where the stakes are physical health and nine-figure paydays. It made Draymond’s list of basketball trophies look a bit small in comparison.
Why This Still Matters in Sports Culture
The Conor McGregor Draymond Green beef is a perfect example of what happens when "New Media" and old-school fighting mentalities collide. Draymond is famous for his "New Media" approach—being vocal, unfiltered, and involved in every conversation. But McGregor is a different breed of talker. He does "homework" on his opponents’ traumas.
Key Takeaways from the Feud:
- Context is King: Draymond saw a jersey; Conor saw a weapon. Never assume you know why a high-level troll is doing something.
- Know Your Audience: Draymond tried to flex his NBA stats to a guy who lives in Ireland and barely follows the league. It didn't land because Conor truly didn't care about his PPG or defensive rating.
- The Power of the "I Don't Know You" Card: Nothing hurts a celebrity's ego more than being told they are anonymous. McGregor used this to perfection.
Honestly, it’s one of the few times Draymond Green actually lost a war of words. Usually, he’s the one getting in people's heads, but Conor is the final boss of psychological warfare.
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If you're looking to understand how modern sports rivalries work, you have to look at these cross-over moments. It shows how a simple piece of clothing can become a headline for weeks if the right (or wrong) person puts it on.
For those following the careers of both men today, it’s interesting to see where they’ve landed. McGregor is still the biggest name in MMA despite a long layoff, and Draymond is still the polarizing heart of the Warriors. But for one week in 2017, their worlds overlapped in the pettiest, most fascinating way possible.
If you want to dive deeper into the history of combat sports trash talk, you should look into Conor's build-up for the Jose Aldo fight—it's arguably even more intense than the jersey drama.
Actionable Insights for Sports Fans:
If you ever see an athlete wearing a "random" throwback jersey before a big event, check the roster from that year. Usually, there’s a subtext involving their opponent’s history or a specific city's rivalry. In the digital age, nothing is accidental.