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Vladimir Putin once took part in a photo-op with Conor McGregor, which led to a viral incident with the Russian president's bodyguard. The interaction occurred during the final of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, which was held in Moscow, Russia.
As they were posing for a photo, McGregor can be seeing trying to put his arm around Putin. While a seemingly innocent gesture, it was a breach of protocol, causing the Russian president's security detail to intervene and force McGregor to withdraw his arm. This brief interaction made the rounds on social media, inspiring countless memes.
Check out the incident betweenVladimir Putin and Conor McGregor here:
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Just a few months after meeting the Russian president, the Irishman mentioned him repeatedly during the leadup to the UFC 229 pre-fight press conference to taunt his Russian foe, Khabib Nurmagomedov.
While Nurmagomedov was unfazed by nearly everything McGregor said at the pre-fight press conference, it was a Putin-related jab that enraged Nurmagomedov. First, Nurmagomedov was asked about the photo-op between McGregor and Putin.
The unbeaten Dagestani dismissed the question by asserting that he himself did not like taking pictures with others. This caused McGregor to accuse him of disrespecting Putin. Thereafter, 'The Notorious' also mocked his rival over the arrest of billionaire Ziyavudin Magomedov.
Magomedov has a noticeably close relationship with Nurmagomedov, who pleaded for the former's release in the past. This prompted McGregor to challenge 'The Eagle' to take up his grievances with Putin.
Vladimir Putin has a storied relationship with MMA
Vladimir Putin is no stranger to combat sports, having practiced both judo and sambo since the age of 12. He has also been spotted numerous times in the company of legendary heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko.
In a very popular video that has since gone viral, Vladimir Putin was also seen meeting with Khabib Nurmagomedov and his father and coach, the late, great Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov.
Check out Vladimir Putin congratulating Khabib Nurmagomedov:
