Former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor has found himself at the center of controversy once again, this time over training video that has drawn criticism from a respected former world champion.
The Irish superstar hasn’t competed in the octagon since suffering a broken leg against Dustin Poirier in July 2021. McGregor recently shared sparring footage from his training camp in Italy. The videos show McGregor, sporting a distinctive mohawk, landing shots with apparent ease against younger, less experienced training partners.
The footage quickly caught the attention of Ben Askren, the former Bellator and ONE Welterweight Champion who also competed in the UFC. Askren didn’t hold back in his assessment of McGregor’s training methods, taking to social media to express his disapproval.
“What does beating up fighters who aren’t good prove or do to make you better?” Askren wrote on X. “These videos are so dumb.”
Observers noted the significant skill gap between the former champion and his training partners. Fans commenting on the footage expressed similar sentiments, with one noting how McGregor was “throwing hard against that kid” while working with someone positioned against a wall.
McGregor is currently attempting to rebuild his combat career after a lengthy absence from competition. He pulled out of a scheduled bout against Michael Chandler at UFC 303, but according to BKFC boss David Feldman, McGregor is now preparing for a potential matchup against the winner of Mike Perry vs. Jeremy Stephens at BKFC 82.
McGregor’s involvement with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship extends beyond just competing, as he holds a part-ownership stake in the organization. The former UFC star has been vocal about his preference for BKFC’s action-packed style, particularly after criticizing recent UFC events for being “boring.”
Following UFC 319’s main event, where Khamzat Chimaev dominated Dricus du Plessis through wrestling for five rounds, McGregor expressed frustration with what he perceived as lackluster ground-and-pound action.
“Charge this for free to the game, on the MACK! cos I am FED UP PAYING for this bulls**t we keep seeing!” McGregor posted on Instagram. “@bareknucklefc is MORE EXCITING!”
The former champion continued his critique, stating, “If you’e not M*RDERING PEOPLE WITH YOUR GROUND AND POUND! F**k off.”
He went on to boast about his own finishing ability, claiming, “I possess 100% G’n’P accuracy on my record! Out with your note pads, ‘professional’ peasants.”
McGregor has recently stated that he would like to compete in the UFC event which is scheduled to take place in the White House.
