Conor McGregor playing for Black Forge FC (Image: Instagram/stephenmeaney.10)
Conor McGregor swapped the UFC Octagon for the football pitch on Saturday as he turned out for his own pub’s team, Black Forge FC. The 36-year-old MMA superstar hasn’t stepped into the UFC ring since his leg break in a defeat to Dustin Poirier in 2021, yet he showed no signs of lingering issues as he played for the Forge in their UCFL Premier Division game against Harding FC in Ringsend.
Donning the number 11 shirt and taking up a position on the left wing, McGregor was seen warming up with jogs and crossfield passes. He teased his participation earlier with a tweet showcasing flashy purple Nike boots and the message: “Today we ball”.
While Black Forge FC might not be challenging for FAI Cup honours just yet, reigning champions Drogheda United felt compelled to clarify their association with McGregor after he shared an image holding the trophy, following their victory over Derry City last November. McGregor’s cousin, Warren Davis, who plays for Drogheda, was celebrated by the former two-division UFC champion on .
McGregor boasted about his family’s footballing prowess, noting: “Yup the gaf, @theblackforgeinn! FAI cup in the house! Congrats my cuz @warrend02 on winning the fai trophy with @dundalkfc! That’s two of my cousins now who have won this prestigious Irish Football League trophy. One with Bohs, Keith, and one with Dundalk, Warren! ! Tremendous! It’s in the blood!”
McGregor faced embarrassment after mistakenly congratulating Davis for clinching the trophy with Dundalk, swiftly amending his message to acknowledge Drogheda instead. Yet later that very day, Drogheda United made a point of clarifying that they have no links to McGregor whatsoever.
In a statement, they explained: “A social media post has been brought to our attention today regarding the FAI Cup. Those pictured are a close relation to one of our first team players, who like all the other players had custody of the cup to celebrate with their families at different intervals.”
The club further distanced itself by adding: “Drogheda United do not associate ourselves with the individual who made the social media post in any way, or with any unauthorised brands mentioned.”