Irish MMA fighter Conor McGregor has sparked outrage among fans after striking his young partners with excessive force during sparring sessions, as part of possible preparations for his UFC return.
McGregor was recorded throwing heavy punches during sparring sessions in Italy and Spain last weekend. Videos from the training were circulated on social media, where many alleged he applied unreasonable force. "Conor McGregor in shocking 'bullying' video as he beats up young sparring partners," proclaimed the headline in Britain's Daily Mail.
Conor McGregor sparring with young fighters in Italy, and he wasn't going easy on them ?
? @TheNotoriousMMA pic.twitter.com/M2m6vxPJXx
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) August 22, 2025
Notably, the Irish star's training sessions drew numerous fans, who appear in the footage at the facility entrance attempting to watch the star in action.
The backlash arrived mere days after he declared on social media his candidacy for the Irish presidency, following his unsuccessful appeal of a high-profile civil case in which he was found liable for civil rape.
McGregor was scheduled to return to the octagon in June 2024, but withdrew from the planned bout against Michael Chandler after fracturing his left foot's pinky toe. Last month, he made progress toward a comeback when he rejoined the UFC's drug testing pool. This month, he submitted two random samples, both testing negative for banned substances.
McGregor, 37, shared a photograph on Wednesday morning with his partner, Dee Devlin, 38, and their four children, Conor Junior, Croía, Rian, and Mác, stating: "I've never been so at peace with my life as I am now."
