CONTROVERSIAL UFC star Conor McGregor has shared a picture of himself with Vladimir Putin at the World Cup final, dubbing the Russian president ‘one of the greatest leaders of our time’.
The fighter – due in court in New York later this month in relation to an attack on a bus in April – revealed he was invited as a guest of Putin.
Posting a picture of himself with the Russian president on Instagram, McGregor commented: “Today I was invited to the World Cup final as a guest of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“This man is one of the greatest leaders of our time and I was honored to attend such a landmark event alongside him.
“Today was an honor for me Mr. Putin. Thank you and congratulations on an amazing World Cup.”
The post may have been a dig at Khabib Nurmagomedov, who was in the bus McGregor attacked in April.
Enjoying the World Cup final in Russia.
A truly amazing spectacle! pic.twitter.com/OEeOBmEp9y— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) 15 July 2018
Nurmagomedov, from the Russian Republic of Dagestan, was also at the final but didn’t appear to be a guest of Putin.
The two fighters have been engaged in a war of words amid rumours a fight is in the works.
Whatever the reason behind the post, McGregor's picture and praise of Putin drew a mixed reaction online…
— DJ Swivel (@djswivel) July 15, 2018
Conor McGregor calling Putin “one of the greatest leaders of our time” he clearly isn’t aware of many others.
— Liam van der Spek (@spekofthedevil) 15 July 2018
conor, you know better. disappointing to say the least
— Miguel Ruiz (@ruizmiguel_) 15 July 2018
After surviving the homophobia, the racism, pedaling the toxic lad culture and the criminal damage, I pretty much just assumed that McGregor would never become a persona non grata but one photo with Putin seems to have tipped the scales for a few.
— Glenn Fitzpatrick 🇵🇸 (@glennthefitz) 15 July 2018
Conor McGregor chilling with Vladimir Putin in Russia is next level genius when it comes to self promotion.
He knows Khabib is next. He’s already writing the script for the build up to the event.
Foundations being laid.
Love him or hate him, he’s a very clever man.#UFC
— Sten (@Stenbizz) 15 July 2018
