It all appeared to be part of the show when UFC star Conor McGregor punched out Miami Heat mascot Burnie on Friday during Game 4 of the NBA Finals. As it turns out, it wasn’t all an act.
During a promotion skit to announce a partnership between the team and McGregor’s TIDL Sport recovery products, the UFC fighter struck the mascot twice – one standing and once on the ground. The mascot was then dragged off the court by its feet.
As it turns out, the blows sent the man playing the mascot to the hospital, according to a report Saturday by The Athletic. The man was later sent home with pain medications and is resting comfortably. No further details were reported, and the team has not made a statement on the matter.
McGregor, 34, does not have a fight on the books, though the promotion continues to angle for a bout between him and Michael Chandler, the two coaches of “The Ultimate Fighter 31.” He has not competed since he suffered a broken leg against Dustin Poirier in July 2021.
The Miami Heat could suffer a knockout blow of their own Monday, as they are down 3-1 in the series against the Denver Nuggets and face elimination in Game 5.
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