Former double-division UFC champ, Conor McGregor has a huge fanbase for his talent to talk his way into hearts. Many would kill for a chance to click a picture with ‘The Notorious’ and cherish it as a lifetime memory. However, McGregor himself got a rare chance to click a picture with the Russian president, Vladimir Putin at the FIFA World Cup final, held in Moscow in 2018.
Many celebrities often avoid taking pictures with fans, as it turns into a stampede of fans asking for more pictures. But that’s not the case with Putin. Because he smiled and took McGregor into his arms. Maybe he has heard the tales of Mystic Mac’s exploits in the UFC and became a fan. However, the security team around him definitely weren’t fans of McGregor’s outlandish behavior around their high-profile client.
The Proper No.12 founder was not all smiles for long…
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Fans weren’t happy with Conor McGregor and his instincts
Fans were concerned as Conor McGregor faced a threat to his life, while he tried to get close to the Russian President, who was accompanied by his guards.
I bet his colon was having a seizure the whole time he was there
— Jumbo Jack (@JarkBeano) December 18, 2022
One guy thought the guards would throw McGregor out of a window for his actions.
Dude suddenly knew he might fall out of a window.
— Ali Sheheryar (@Sierra_Zolo) December 18, 2022
Crazy
— Blake Robiadek (@RobiadekBlake) December 18, 2022
Another implied that Putin was prepared to do judo on him.
Putin was preparing his judo sweep on him lol
— Zach (@HangocZachary) December 18, 2022
He put the whole Ireland at stake within the last 10 seconds
— dat boi (@yuzafz) December 18, 2022
Some fans mentioned that this spontaneous move could’ve put McGregor’s native country of Ireland in danger.
The Notorious has a history with the Russians
The protection of a president is paramount. They can never be too careful, especially at events such as the World Cup final. Among this crowd might be those who might have intentions to harm the president. The guards warned the Irishman not to get too close to the president for this reason.
Welcome to the Gulag
— Leylaxx123 (@leylaxx123) December 18, 2022
Power vs mma ..
— • (@OmarMasry5) December 17, 2022
Yea, he looks terrified 🙄
— Kevin Skelly (@KevinSkelly1155) December 17, 2022
However, Conor McGregor is at war with a few Russians. Such as his ongoing scuffle against long-time rival Khabib Nurmagomedov, despite his retirement. Also, his recent financial dispute with his friend, Artem Lobov, about The Proper No.12 Whiskey.
Maybe it isn’t too wise to have him around the Russians. But, it’s strange to see how close he came to being arrested, or worse, by Putin’s guards.
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McGregor only rested his arm in a friendly gesture. But, maybe it isn’t the best idea to rest your arm on a Russian president, especially at a public venue.
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Do you believe McGregor shouldn’t have put his hand there?