IBF, WBO, WBA and IBO heavyweight titlist Tyson Fury claimed UFC’s interim featherweight champion Conor McGregor has copied his attitude and style prior to fight nights.

Fury, who defeated Wladimir Klitschko last month via 12-round unanimous decision, said McGregor copied him in everything he does from growing a big beard to talking trash against his opponents.

“I am familiar with a man named Conor McGregor, I think he copied me in everything he does,” Fury said, reports Boxing Scene. “I was the first trash talker – big time – in these shores, first one in Ireland.”

McGregor has been known for taunting opponents and making bold predictions. The Irishman has been playing mind games with UFC featherweight champ Jose Aldo prior to their fight at UFC 194 on Dec. 12 in Las Vegas.

But despite the odd comparison, Fury believes this style of mind games would work for McGregor as it worked for him when he fought Klitschko in Germany. Fury said he will root for his compatriot who got him to watch mixed martial arts.

“Conor McGregor got me actually physically watching MMA and wanted to check the results,” Fury added. “Because the way he was carrying on, I thought this guy has definitely got a bit of myself. I want to check him out.”

Meanwhile, Fury has been stripped of his IBF heavyweight title after refusing to face their mandatory challenger Vyacheslav Glazkov, according to Sky Sports.

The IBF made its stance publicly that Fury must face Glazkov just less than 48 hours after the Irish heavyweight’s victory. But according to Fury’s uncle and trainer Peter, Klitschko is exercising his rematch clause, which is “common practice” in major title fights.

The IBF cancelled the purse-bid for Fury-Glazkov earlier this week, and instead requested the Russian to face Charles Martin for the vacant title.

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