Machine Gun Kelly has mocked Conor McGregor’s “weak knees” after his disastrous UFC return last night (July 11).
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McGregor had described Saturday night’s fight – his first in five years – as “the comeback of all comebacks in sports history”. However, his long-awaited return against Max Holloway at UFC 329 ended just over a minute into the first round.
McGregor suffered a knee injury after the opening bell. He appeared to land awkwardly from a flying roundhouse kick, after which he was unable to stand properly, prompting the referee to wave off the contest.
Taking to Instagram after the bout, MGK was among those seemingly celebrating the result, writing: “Knees weak of old age the real conor can’t stand up.” Animosity between them dates back to 2021, when both attended the MTV Video Music Awards, and nearly wound up in a physical altercation on the red carpet at the Barclays Center.
McGregor could be seen in videos lunging at Kelly, who was held back by security and then-partner, Megan Fox. Seconds later, McGregor was escorted away, but videos appeared to show him throwing a drink in Kelly’s direction.
In a statement later given Page Six at the time, a representative for McGregor said he “only fights fighters”.
His return has been highly criticised and marred in controversy, given the sexual assault allegations made against him. Last November, McGregor was ordered to pay almost €250,000 (£208,000) in damages to Nikita Hand, who won her claim for damages in a civil court after accusing him of raping her.
The alleged incident took place in a hotel in December 2018, but McGregor claimed in court that the encounter was fully consensual.
Ahead of his fight, he made a rare media appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon recently, which led to a raft of criticism being directed toward the host for allowing him a platform.
Viewers on X called Fallon “spineless” and “pathetic”, while Yellowjackets star Christina Ricci to to social media to ask: “Why the ABSOLUTE FUCK is this piece of human garbage being given a platform on Jimmy Fallon’s show? Shame on you, Jimmy.”
On Fallon’s Instagram, it was speculated that he was trying to conceal McGregor’s appearance, after a user commented on a post of his saying: “No post about having Conor McGregor on the show???”
For more help, advice or more information regarding sexual harassment, assault and rape in the UK, visit the Rape Crisis charity website. In the US, visit RAINN.