Last year didn’t exactly go according to Conor McGregor’s master plan, did it? Between court drama and a slew of messy headlines, it was like watching a slow-motion car crash. And now? Well, everyone he is clenching onto is out of the picture in no time. Eddie Alvarez just took a dive in BKFC against Jeremy, and Paul Hughes seems to be actively distancing himself from The Notorious. Distancing with not just for a little space, but cozying up to the Dagestani camp.

And to top it all, remember when the then Dagestani leader, Abdulmanap, invited McGregor to Dagestan? And Conor McGregor, in true McGregor fashion, disrespected the offer. But this time, it’s Hughes getting the invite, from Khabib Nurmagomedov. Looks like Conor’s once tight-knit team is falling apart faster than one of his Instagram apologies. And now, we see McGregor at the range, letting off rounds with an M240 machine gun.

Apparently, it was supposed to be “Conor letting off some steam,” as the caption so innocently put it. But, of course, the MMA world isn’t so innocent. That’s because, you know, when your former protégé is hanging out with the people you once dissed, it makes perfect sense to casually air your grievances online while playing with big toys.

But hey, we all know McGregor loves stirring the pot, right? It’s his brand at this point. But when did just McGregor drama escalate into an actual national pride battle? This whole thing blew up when ‘Big News’ said he was “his own man” after losing to Usman Nurmagomedov at PFL: Road to Dubai. Suddenly, McGregor, who was all about ‘loyalty,’ now finds himself calling Hughes a “weasel” and “boot licker” for not toeing the line on his vision of Irish loyalty.

Maybe the self-proclaimed Irishman should take a step back and, maybe re-evaluate who he’s labeling as ‘real’ Irish. But then again, when has McGregor ever cared about optics? Fans, of course, are eating it up. Naturally, they have questions, how much of this is just Conor being, well, himself? Or is there more going on behind the scenes?

Fans react to Conor McGregor, who, according to them, “Is a businessman now, not a fighter”

As the video of McGregor taking aim with that M240 machine gun went viral, fans did what fans do best, they ran with it. And let me tell you, they didn’t hold back. Some fans got straight to the point, suggesting that McGregor was imagining Paul Hughes as his target. “He’s imagining Paul Hughes is the target,” one fan said.

Others were a bit more blunt, claiming that “Paul Hughes is f–ked.” Of course, not all the fans were here for the shade. Some took it as just a little fun, with one fan reassuring us, “He did great though.” But you know, there’s always one who had to bring up McGregor’s past failures, with someone pointing out, “The only way he can beat Khabib.”

Then, we got the Dagestan comments. Apparently, the only true Irishman would have a tough time in the land of warriors, with one fan chiming in, “Conor if he ever went to Dagestan.” That must hurt. But it doesn’t stop there, fans are leaning hard into the “Ireland vs. Ireland” narrative, and one fan made sure to go full roast mode, “Chicken McGregor… I hope Hughes faces him for an Ireland vs. Ireland and the biggest PPV of all time. He’s a better fighter and human. McGregor is a businessman now, not a fighter.” And the cheekiest jab of them all? This: “POV: His ass after calm-as-responds from Paul LMAO.” Oh, it’s getting spicy now. Reality check incoming, Conor.

But let’s be real, whether it’s McGregor, Hughes, or anyone else, the real winner here is social media. Fans are just soaking in every little drama, dropping their opinions like it’s hot. But when it comes to McGregor? Hey, no such thing as bad press. So, what’s next for this saga? Another headline? Another apology video? Or will this ‘Ireland vs. Ireland’ showdown actually turn into something worth watching? Anyway, this rivalry has all the ingredients for a blockbuster showdown, or Conor is at least trying his level best to cook up something. What do you think? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!