By Edward Chaykovsky

UFC superstar Conor McGregor has responded to the recent comments by WBO/WBA/IBO heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, who claims that his countryman copied his controversial style and attitude.

McGregor has become the second biggest star in the UFC, while Fury's stock has catapulted to the top after last month shocking upset over longtime division ruler Wladimir Klitschko.

"I am familiar with a man named Conor McGregor, I think he copied me in everything he does," Fury told The MMA Hour. "I was the first trash talker - big time - in these shores, first one in Ireland. Then all of a sudden, he started copying me, this Conor McGregor guy.

"I grew a big beard. He grew a big beard. I talk about everybody, he starts talking about everybody. And it worked for the heavyweight champ of the world. It must work for Conor McGregor, some guy who's like 140 pounds, or whatever he is."

McGregor brushed off the chatter from Fury and rejected any insinuation that he copied the heavyweight's attitude in any manner.

"There are many times in the game you get compared to other fighters. I've been compared to everybody. I've been compared to Muhammad Ali and now you are trying to compare me with me Tyson Fury... I'll continue to say I am my own man, I am on my own journey. Tyson is an amusing character. I am me, I am nobody else but me," McGregor said.

Fury still plans to support McGregor when he challenges UFC champion Jose Aldo on Saturday night in one of the biggest bouts in the UFC's history.

"I am a fan of his. He's copied my style. I better admire him for it. I've never met him, but the guy is a very entertaining character. Conor McGregor got me actually physically watching MMA and wanted to check the results. Because the way he was carrying on, I thought 'this guy has definitely got a bit of myself'. I want to check him out.

"I saw the fight with the [Chad] Mendes guy and I will be watching the Aldo fight because he's got a lot to say, hasn't he?"