When actor Liam Neeson sounded off on "leprechaun" Conor McGregor for giving Ireland "a bad name"

Liam Neeson once condemned the UFC for its violent culture while specifically calling out Conor McGregor for damaging Ireland's image on the global stage.

In its early inception, MMA encountered substantial skepticism and scrutiny as a competitive sport, largely stemming from its perceived brutality and insufficient regulatory framework, which raised concerns about the safety of fighters. The veteran Hollywood actor still appears to align with this critical perspective.

During an interview with Men's Health last February, Neeson was queried about his interest in watching UFC. The 72-year-old Golden Globe Awards winner didn't mince words, offering candid insights on the MMA organization overall, and didn't shy away from criticizing 'The Notorious' for his controversies beyond the octagon. He said:

"UFC, I can’t stand. That, to me, is like a bar fight. I know the practitioners are like, 'No, you're wrong—the months of training we do...' Why don't you just grab a beer bottle and hit the other guy over the head? That’s the next stage of the UFC. I hate it... That little leprechaun Conor McGregor, he gives Ireland a bad name. I know he's fit, and I admire him for that. But I can’t take it."

Check out Liam Neeson's comments below (1:08):

In response to Neeson's remarks, the former two-division UFC champion, renowned for his verbal jabs, opted not to address Neeson directly. Instead, he took to Twitter (Now X), sharing a poignant sentiment: "Irish proud – always," accompanied by the Ireland flag emoji.

Check out Conor McGregor's post below:

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What are some significant scandals connected to Conor McGregor?

While Conor McGregor undoubtedly reigns as the most celebrated mixed martial artist globally, his ascent to UFC stardom has been overshadowed by legal turbulence outside the octagon.

During UFC 223 fight week in April 2018, McGregor, with a group of men, was caught on video attacking a bus at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, following a UFC media event. They threw objects, including a hand dolly and a guardrail, shattering windows and injuring multiple fighters aboard.

The Irishman surrendered to police, facing charges of felony criminal mischief and misdemeanor assault, allegedly spurred by a prior altercation involving his former teammate and Khabib Nurmagomedov.

In June 2023, 'The Notorious' faced allegations of sexual assault at the Kaseya Center in Miami during Game 4 of the NBA Finals. The accuser claimed McGregor's security escorted her to a bathroom where he allegedly forced her into sexual acts.

However, doubts arose due to conflicting videos and her request for settlements instead of pursuing criminal charges. No arrests or lawsuits have occurred regarding this incident.