Conor McGregor Steps In, Sponsors Entire Irish MMA Team

Former UFC champion Conor McGregor might rub some folks the wrong way with his actions. But “Notorious” is also a very kind and generous Irish man.

McGregor recently stepped in and sponsored the entire Irish youth team that will compete in the upcoming 2021 IMMAF Youth MMA Championships.

“Wishing the Irish squad the very best of luck in their quest at the world championships this year!” McGregor said. “From the fighters to the coaches, I know the future of our fighting nation is in excellent hands. Fight with the pride of the Emerald Isle, team! We are all with you. Good luck!”

The event will take place July 29-August 1 in Sofia, Bulgaria at the EFE Marinela. The group of 12-to-18-year-olds will include 27 youths and 20 coaches, which McGregor will be paying for the entry fee and plane ticket for all 47.

At the last world championships tournament, which was held in 2019, the Irish team ranked sixth in the medals table with nine. That was out of 269 participants from 26 countries and a Top-10 dominated largely by state-sponsored national teams. 

The United States finished first two years ago.

“It’s fantastic for all the athletes, coaches and the Irish MMA community that Conor has shown his passion for the sport MMA in this way and is helping pave the way for the next ‘Conor’,” said IMMAF President Kerrith Brown. “We at IMMAF are appreciative of Conor’s support of grassroots athlete development and his demonstration of support for John Kavanagh’s work in the MMA community as President of the Irish Mixed Martial Arts Association.

“The value of this endorsement extends beyond the money in terms of the focus and sense of purpose it gives to the team. This is what IMMAF is all about, working in communities to deliver a value from MMA for social good.”

McGregor will take on Dustin Poirier at UFC 264.