Over the years, UFC fighters and football stars have had multiple fun meetings. Interestingly, like most of the time, this time again, it’s the ‘Notorious’ Conor McGregor who gave a buzzing appearance at a football match. As such, he even linked up Arsenal football stars Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice after the match.
The match was between two prominent European clubs, Paris Saint-Germain FC and Arsenal FC. The Gunners comfortably defeated the French club with a 2-0 scoreline at their home ground, the Emirates Stadium. Amidst the victory news, there was another buzz on the internet. Conor McGregor was spotted enjoying that football game in North London.
Moreover, the Irishman had a shooting session with Arsenal and English footballers Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice as well. Initially, the Arsenal midfielder Rice had a short passing session with McGregor. Later, Saka traded some long passes with the UFC star. McGregor displayed polished football skills, shooting several curve balls at the Arsenal winger.
Conor McGregor plays football with Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice ⚽️
🎥 IG / @ufcontnt #UFC #MMA #Football pic.twitter.com/xe0jMfnrDM
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) October 1, 2024
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It’s not the first time Conor McGregor has been seen with football stars. He’s even had brief conversations and fun moments with Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo on several occasions. McGregor is also known for actively betting on intriguing football matchups.
Most recently, he earned a hefty amount following the Euro 2024 finals between England and Spain. All these show Conor McGregor’s constant activities in and around football. However, there was a time when the Irishman seemed to criticize the sport.
Over his illustrious UFC career, the Notorious has held several records and has even become one of the greatest MMA fighters in the world. The tale returns to Conor McGregor’s peak time at the promotion in 2015. The Irishman was an undefeated superstar then, eyeing to make a big name for himself.
Not only that, McGregor was also known for being blunt with his opinions, a trait he still possesses. During a press conference in 2015, a reporter asked the Notorious about the impact of football on MMA fighters. McGregor took the opportunity to take a sly dig at the sport while explaining his answer. This resulted in a classic McGregor-esque reply.
(On why did he stop playing football) When I realized it was for women and I would rather fight.
Conor McGregor via UFC press conference
When Conor McGregor said football is for women 😂 pic.twitter.com/8zXgbHIVqr
— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) February 11, 2024
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Interestingly, like many other young people in European countries, McGregor also grew up around football and even played for several local clubs. However, he stopped playing football when his interest in MMA grew. Nevertheless, his skills were evident at the Emirates Stadium last night.
