Liam Neeson says ‘little elf’ Conor McGregor gave Ireland a ‘bad name’

Before that, he made a name for himself in the Cage Warriors promotion.

The 34-year-old Dubliner is one of the few to have won UFC titles in different weight classes.

Despite being sidelined with injury, he remains the UFC’s biggest pay-per-viewer and is expected to return this year with a promotion that will hopefully bring him in. ahead of The Ultimate Fighter series, likely alongside lightweight rival Michael Chandler.

McGregor also sold millions of paid views during his cross-boxing bout with undefeated Floyd Mayweather.

A proud Irishman, McGregor has carried his nation’s flag throughout his career but, according to 70-year-old Neeson, he has not represented their common homeland well over the years.

The Taken and Michael Collins star told Men’s Health: “That little goblin Conor McGregor, he gives Ireland a bad name. I know he’s a good fit, and I admire him for that. But I can’t stand it.”

Not only did Neeson slam McGregor, the Northern Irish-born fighter also took aim at the sport of mixed martial arts (MMA) by comparing it to two men fighting in a pub.

He said: “UFC I can’t stand it. That to me is like a fight in a bar.

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“I know trainees will say, ‘no, you’re wrong – we have months of training.’ Why don’t you just grab a beer and hit the other guy on the head?

McGregor hasn’t competed inside the UFC octagon since breaking his tibia and fibula in his third bout against tough opponent Dustin Poirier in July 2021.

It was the first time McGregor had lost two fights in a row.

Despite the injury, that has led many to question whether he is the same boxer after such a long time out of the octagon.

The Dubliner became more affluent during his break when he was given the lead role in the remake of Road House.

It is believed that when he returns to the UFC at the end of 2023, he will compete in the welterweight division, after winning the featherweight and lightweight titles.

McGregor must undergo US Anti-Doping tests before he can place an opponent back and has previously announced the process will begin in February.

In recent times, McGregor has made an exception with comedian/radio DJ PJ Gallagher after an American sports presenter mistakenly referred to McGregor as one of “the UK’s top five fighters in the UFC.” .

When it was pointed out that he was Irish, she was quick to correct her mistake but Gallagher commented, “Usually this kind of annoys me but they can get this guy. “

McGregor has been criticized for insults directed at Mr Gallagher, which has shed light on mental health issues.

When legendary Irish soccer player Paul McGrath later called the UFC fighter a “bully,” McGregor took aim at McGrath for his public battle with alcoholism.