Boxing legend Chris Eubank has unleashed a scathing critique on UFC superstar Conor McGregor, calling his recent behavior “disgraceful” after a viral incident where McGregor spat in the face of a Khabib Nurmagomedov fan. This sharp rebuke marks a significant shift in Eubank’s previously positive stance toward the Irish fighter, highlighting growing concerns about McGregor’s conduct outside the octagon.
Boxing legend’s harsh criticism of McGregor’s public conduct
Chris Eubank, the respected boxing icon, recently took to his YouTube channel to express his profound disappointment in Conor McGregor’s actions. The boxing veteran specifically addressed a viral incident where McGregor was filmed spitting in the face of a fan who had apparently made remarks about Khabib Nurmagomedov, McGregor’s long-time rival.
Eubank didn’t mince words in his assessment: McGregor’s behavior reflects poorly on his character and sends a damaging message to his young fans. “Is this what we are? Is this who we are? Is this what we’re going to teach?” Eubank questioned in his video. He further labeled the incident as “disgraceful” and suggested it undermines McGregor’s position as a role model for Irish youth.
What makes Eubank’s criticism particularly noteworthy is his previous support for McGregor. In past years, Eubank had praised the UFC fighter as one of Ireland’s most significant sporting figures and had spoken highly of his achievements in mixed martial arts. This dramatic reversal suggests the incident crossed a line for the boxing legend.
The confrontation that sparked this controversy reportedly occurred earlier this year when McGregor encountered a fan who appeared to be trolling him with comments about Nurmagomedov. Security footage showed McGregor responding with aggression, ultimately spitting in the individual’s face and making threats. No legal charges resulted from the incident, but the court of public opinion has been less forgiving.
McGregor’s declining public image since UFC 264
The spitting incident represents just one chapter in what appears to be a downward spiral for McGregor’s public image since his devastating leg injury at UFC 264 in July 2021. That night marked his second consecutive loss to Dustin Poirier and the beginning of an extended absence from competitive fighting.
McGregor’s planned comeback has faced multiple setbacks:
- Withdrawal from UFC 303 against Michael Chandler due to injury
- Collapsed boxing negotiations with Logan Paul
- Continued personal attacks on Khabib Nurmagomedov
- Multiple public altercations outside the sport
- Growing criticism from former supporters
Perhaps most telling about McGregor’s falling star in Ireland was a recent incident at a Dublin concert. When the lead vocalist mentioned McGregor’s name, the former national hero was met with resounding boos from the crowd. This reception in his homeland represents a significant shift in public sentiment toward the fighter who once unified Ireland behind him.
McGregor’s continued absence from competition has only intensified scrutiny of his behavior outside the cage. With each passing week, questions grow about whether the former two-division champion will ever return to his previous form – both as an athlete and as a public figure.
Timeline of McGregor’s competitive decline
| Date | Event | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| October 2018 | UFC 229 vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov | Submission loss |
| January 2021 | UFC 257 vs. Dustin Poirier | TKO loss |
| July 2021 | UFC 264 vs. Dustin Poirier | TKO loss (leg injury) |
| June 2023 | Planned UFC 303 comeback | Withdrawn due to injury |
The damaged relationship between McGregor and his fanbase
Eubank’s criticism points to a deeper issue facing McGregor: the erosion of his carefully cultivated image. “You’re turning your own people, or people who love you because of your style…” Eubank noted, suggesting McGregor is alienating his core supporters through repeated controversies.
The boxing legend specifically referenced McGregor’s past incidents, including throwing a chair at a bus containing Nurmagomedov, as part of a pattern revealing McGregor’s true character. “I’ve looked at your behavior, you’re proving yourself to be what we knew is behind that type of behavior,” Eubank concluded.
McGregor has yet to respond directly to Eubank’s comments. However, his social media accounts have remained active, recently teasing a potential appearance on Joe Rogan’s podcast. This potential interview could provide McGregor an opportunity to address mounting criticisms.
The ongoing feud with Nurmagomedov continues to shadow McGregor’s career, despite their fight occurring nearly five years ago. McGregor has repeatedly made personal attacks against the retired Russian fighter, keeping the animosity alive long after their competitive rivalry ended. This fixation has increasingly defined McGregor’s public persona in the absence of active competition.
For fans and observers, there are now legitimate questions about whether McGregor can rehabilitate his image. As Eubank concluded in his critique, McGregor’s current path may not be reversible without significant changes in how he conducts himself both publicly and privately.
The future prospects for the troubled UFC star
As 2025 progresses, McGregor’s fighting future remains uncertain. The prolonged absence from competition has diminished his relevance in the UFC’s lightweight division, where new stars have emerged and title pictures have evolved without him.
McGregor’s business ventures outside the octagon, including his Proper Twelve whiskey brand and various endorsements, have provided financial security that may have reduced his competitive drive. However, the increasing damage to his public image could potentially impact these business interests if the downward trend continues.
For a comeback to materialize, McGregor would need to:
- Overcome the lingering physical issues from his leg injury
- Rebuild his training regimen after extended inactivity
- Find a suitable opponent that generates sufficient interest
- Address the behavioral issues highlighted by critics like Eubank
Whether McGregor has the discipline and desire to meet these challenges remains to be seen. At this point, his legacy appears increasingly defined by controversy rather than competition, a stark contrast to the fighter who made history as the UFC’s first simultaneous two-division champion.
As Eubank’s criticism demonstrates, even longtime supporters of McGregor are reaching their limits with his behavior. For the Irish fighter once celebrated as a national hero, the path to redemption may be more challenging than any opponent he has faced in the cage.
