During Game 4 of the NBA Finals, Miami fans expected the Heat to steal the show at the Kaseya Center. However, UFC icon Conor McGregor had the spotlight shining bright on him. The Irish superstar has been a legend in the mixed martial arts community and every time he shows up, the crowds lose it. McGregor is a master when it comes to entertaining his audience. Never once has he failed to deliver a spectacular performance.
The former two-division UFC Champion blew up on the internet after knocking out Burnie, the Heat’s mascot. Conor followed with a second punch while Burnie was on the floor. Unfortunately, what was supposed to be an act tragically sent the man inside the costume to the emergency room. UFC President Dana White addressed the situation following UFC 289. He didn’t seem surprised that Conor sent the man to ER.
Dana White comments on Conor McGregor injuring the Miami Heat mascot 😬 #UFC289
“I wouldn’t have professional fighters punching me in the face if I was a mascot. Doesn’t seem like the brightest thing in the world.” pic.twitter.com/iLoRBRiIkL
— MMAFighting.com (@MMAFighting) June 11, 2023
He said, “What do you expect?… I wouldn’t have professional fighters punching me in the face if I was a mascot. Doesn’t seem like the brightest thing in the world.” White also said, “I saw the Deontay Wilder one, too. What’s up with mascots wanting to get punched in the face by professional fighters?” Dana referred to when the former heavyweight boxing champ knocked out an ESPN mascot back in 2018. Conor did receive a bit of criticism as he might have gone too overboard with the act.
Why did Conor McGregor punch Burnie the mascot?
As usual, celebrities and icons of other sports love attending basketball games. Conor McGregor has previously shown some love toward the sport as well. While he attended the NBA Finals game to support the Miami Heat, he also dropped by to promote a cryotherapy pain relief spray called TIDL.
Miami Heat’s mascot “Burnie” was sent to hospital after receiving two punches from Conor Mcgregor during a skit that went wrong 😳🥊
pic.twitter.com/ABLFSstDeS— SPORTbible (@sportbible) June 11, 2023
The mixed martial artist was brought to center court when he promoted the brand and introduced them as one of the Miami Heat’s official sponsors as well. Following the announcement, Burnie walked up to Conor wearing boxing gloves. Obviously, it was supposed to be an act to sell the product. But McGregor might have connected the jab as well.
The man inside the Burnie costume was treated for pain at the hospital. Either way, the people who work as mascots do take risks as such. Mascots often put themselves in dangerous situations to entertain the crowd midgame. McGregor hasn’t spoken about the incident just yet. Maybe we will hear from him soon via social media or while promoting the Ultimate Fighter series.