Concerns have been raised by UFC fans for Conor McGregor after a video of the Irishman having a night out in Dublin went viral.
The 36-year-old hasn’t stepped into the cage since his defeat to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 back in 2021. He was set to make a comeback against ex-Bellator lightweight champion Michael Chandler last year, but had to pull out from the much-anticipated match due to an injury sustained during training.
Despite his absence from the octagon, ‘The Notorious’ has been keeping himself occupied. He recently flew to Washington and was seen meeting US president Donald Trump at the White House. Shortly after his meeting with Trump, McGregor declared his intention to run for the presidency of Ireland.
Fans are now expressing concern over McGregor’s lifestyle and potential return to competitive action following a recent video posted online. The video, uploaded on the official ‘NELK Boys’ YouTube channel, shows the group flying to Ireland to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.
Upon their arrival, the group were invited to party with the Irishman. McGregor, energetic as ever, was filmed welcoming the group to his ‘Black Forge Inn’ in Dublin, Ireland. Clearly excited by their arrival, the 36-year-old said: “My hell, you lads are here early.”
As they made their way into the pub, ‘The Notorious’ performed a rendition of Robbie Williams’ song ‘Angels’ before chugging several of his Forged Irish Stouts. McGregor was filmed showing the American YouTubers how to pour the perfect stout before allowing them to hold one of his famous UFC titles.
Before departing the pub, the Nelk Boys and McGregor shared a warm embrace. The Irishman then offered the young social media stars a few shots of tequila rose. While this booze-fuelled side of ‘The Notorious’ proves entertaining viewing for fans, some have been left concerned about his lifestyle outside of the cage. “Actually so sad to see Conor McGregor in this state,” one fan wrote, while another posted: “I’m actually worried about him. A life of partying and drinking doesn’t usually last very long.”
A third commented: “Old Conor would hate this new Conor.” A fourth wrote: “He’s not the same person anymore. Neither physically or personality-wise,” while another commented: “A far cry from the inspirational and focused individual we saw years ago. He’s achieved great things but I don’t see a person who is happy with his lot.”
With only two fights remaining on his current UFC contract, it’s uncertain whether McGregor will return to the cage. At a recent BKFC media event, he hinted at retirement, stating: “I’ve got two fights on the contract, I’m in negotiations. Last week something happened to me, I went to the White House and my heart bleeds for my country right now. So there’s a lot of stuff going on back home, I’m happy with what I’ve done. There’s something else for me that’s in my gut right now and that’s kind of where I’m going.”
However, moments later, McGregor suggested that potentially winning the Irish election wouldn’t deter him from fighting, but rather spur him on. When questioned if he could juggle fighting and presidency simultaneously, the Irishman responded swiftly, saying: “F*****g right I will, of course, are you crazy? That’s part of why I want to do it! To be announced as the President of Ireland while having a fight? Imagine that. But for sure, hell yeah, hell yes.”
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