Conor McGregor sent the Miami Heat mascot to the hospital after punching him twice as part of a promotional shoot.
McGregor was in Miami to see the Heat take on the Denver Nuggets in the NBA Finals, and had been promoting his new product - a pain relief spray. In the shoot, the Heat mascot Burnie approached wearing boxing gloves before McGregor punched the mascot before hitting him again when he was down - a common attack in mixed martial arts.
McGregor then used his spray on Burnie when down, but the mascot appeared to be hurt as he did not get back to his feet immediately before gingerly walking off.
According to The Athletic, the man who plays the mascot was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment after being struck by the former UFC champion. It is claimed the man received pain medication from a doctor and was sent home, where he is doing well.
It did appear that some fans were concerned for the mascot's safety, as McGregor was boo'd relentlessly after hitting Burnie as he made his way off the court.
The 7’6” fire-orange furred mascot is one the most popular mascots in the NBA. Previously, Burnie made headlines for trolling DeMar DeRozan during an NBA game and having a dance-off with a 14-year-old Heat fan that went viral.
McGregor has been enjoying himself while continuing to rehab from his 2021 leg injury, and has been promoting his new plant-based recovery spray "Tidl" - which he used on Burnie the mascot. The spray is a part of the MMA star's "McGregor FAST" training program.
McGregor donned an all-red velvet suit, as he supported the Miami Heat, who ultimately lost the game and now find themselves in a 3-1 hole against the Nuggets in the NBA finals.
The Irishman has not fought since his loss to Dustin Poirier in July 2021, but is schedule to face Michael Chandler at some point this year, with no date yet set on the welterweight bout.
