Conor McGregor is no stranger to controversy, but his latest Twitter tirade has sparked major backlash. The former UFC champion used the N-word while attacking his longtime rival, Khabib Nurmagomedov, in a now-deleted post. However, the internet never forgets. Screenshots of his racist remarks quickly spread, reigniting discussions about McGregor’s history of offensive behavior.

Despite public outrage, the UFC and its president, Dana White, have remained silent. This raises an important question: Why does McGregor continue to get away with racist behavior while athletes in other sports face real consequences for similar actions?

Screenshot of a tweet from Conor McGregor’s verified Twitter account containing racial slurs and offensive remarks directed at Khabib Nurmagomedov and people from Dagestan. The tweet includes multiple expletives and derogatory language.
Conor McGregor sparks outrage after using racial slurs and offensive language in a now-deleted tweet targeting Khabib Nurmagomedov and Dagestan.

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Conor McGregor’s History of Racism and Offensive Behavior

McGregor’s use of the N-word is not an isolated incident. He has a long track record of racist and offensive remarks.

  • July 11, 2017 – “Boy” Comment to Floyd Mayweather

    During a press conference in Los Angeles for the Mayweather vs. McGregor world tour, Conor McGregor repeatedly told Floyd Mayweather to “dance for me, boy.” The phrase has racist connotations and was historically used to demean Black men, sparking backlash.

  • July 13, 2017 – “Half-Black From the Waist Down” Joke

    At the Brooklyn stop of the Mayweather vs. McGregor press tour, McGregor attempted to dismiss accusations of racism by saying:

    “A lot of media are saying I’m against Black people. That’s absolutely ridiculous. Do they not know I’m half-Black? Yeah! I’m half-Black from the belly button down.”


    A civil court jury in Dublin, Ireland, found Conor McGregor guilty of sexually assaulting Nikita Hand in a hotel penthouse in 2018. The verdict, delivered on November 23, 2024, further cemented McGregor’s history of legal troubles and controversies both inside and outside the ring.

  • August 10, 2017 – “Dancing Monkeys” Comment

    In an interview with Jimmy Kimmel Live, McGregor was asked who would win in a fight: him or Rocky Balboa from Rocky III. McGregor responded:

    “That was the one with the dancing monkeys in the gym, right?”

    Given the film features a predominantly Black boxing gym, many viewed the remark as blatantly racist.

  • January 20, 2024 – Attended Donald Trump’s Inauguration

    McGregor attended Donald Trump’s inauguration in Washington, D.C. While this is not directly racist, his public support for Trump, a figure known for divisive racial rhetoric, has contributed to ongoing speculation about his views.

The UFC’s Culture of Protection: Why McGregor Faces No Consequences

In any other major sports league, McGregor would have faced suspensions, fines, or even bans. The NBA, NFL, and FIFA have all taken strong action against racism in the past. The NBA banned Donald Sterling, the former owner of the LA Clippers, after racist remarks leaked. The NFL suspended Riley Cooper for using a racial slur at a concert. FIFA has strict anti-racism policies and punishes teams for racist behavior by players or fans.

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Meanwhile, the UFC remains silent when Conor McGregor or other top fighters cross the line. Dana White has a close relationship with McGregor and frequently excuses his behavior, no matter how outrageous. For example, in 2018, McGregor attacked a bus full of fighters, injuring multiple athletes. At the time, Dana White called it “disgusting” and “criminal”, yet McGregor faced no real punishment and soon headlined another major UFC event.

This favoritism was on full display again when McGregor used the N-word in his Twitter rant. While the UFC remained silent, they had no issue condemning another fighter, Bryce Mitchell, for his recent antisemitic remarks. The organization quickly distanced itself from Mitchell’s remarks and publicly reprimanded him.

Yet when it comes to McGregor’s blatant racism, the UFC has nothing to say. This clear double standard exposes how the organization selectively enforces its policies—shielding McGregor while punishing others. The UFC’s selective punishment is also glaring. Other fighters have been cut or suspended for far less. But when it comes to McGregor, the rules seem different.

How McGregor’s Comments Led to Marvin Vettori’s Controversy and Joaquin Buckley’s Response

McGregor’s latest controversy didn’t stop with him. His actions set off a snowball effect within the UFC. After McGregor used the N-word, UFC fighter Marvin Vettori also repeated the slur. This incident showed how unchecked racism can spread when there are no consequences. Fighters see McGregor getting away with it, so they feel emboldened to do the same.

However, not everyone stayed silent. Joaquin Buckley, another UFC fighter, called out Vettori, saying he was going to “bless him” when they met. Buckley’s reaction highlights the growing frustration among Black fighters who are tired of racism in the UFC.

The Political Ties Between McGregor Trump and the UFC’s Right-Wing Culture

McGregor’s connection to Donald Trump cannot be ignored. He has praised Trump multiple times, attended his inauguration, and aligns himself with far-right rhetoric.

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Dana White himself is a longtime Trump supporter. He has spoken at Trump rallies, defended him in interviews, and allowed the UFC to become a platform for conservative voices. This alignment with Trump and his controversial views creates an environment where racism and problematic behavior are overlooked. While other sports organizations are making efforts to address racism, the UFC is stuck in the past, refusing to acknowledge or punish racist behavior among its fighters.

What Happens Next?

Despite the backlash, Conor McGregor deleted his tweets and moved on without facing any consequences. The UFC has remained silent, and Dana White has yet to address the controversy.

So, what should happen?

The UFC must take a stand against racism and ensure that all fighters—regardless of their star power—are held accountable for their words and actions. If leagues like the NBA, NFL, and FIFA can enforce strict policies on hate speech, why does the UFC remain an exception? Fighters like McGregor and Marvin Vettori should face fines or suspensions for using racial slurs, setting a precedent that racist behavior will not be tolerated.

However, some may argue that McGregor’s ownership of Greenback Records, a label that has worked with well-known rappers like Xzibit, complicates the discussion. Does working closely with Black artists give him a false sense of familiarity that he believes justifies using the N-word? Or is this another example of his long-standing pattern of reckless and offensive behavior?

If the UFC continues to ignore these issues, it sends a dangerous message—that certain fighters can say whatever they want without consequences. McGregor’s actions are not just an individual problem; they reflect a larger cultural issue within the UFC.

Now, the question remains: Will Dana White take action, or will he continue protecting McGregor at the cost of the sport’s integrity?

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