Conor McGregor left impressed by Irish fighter on the brink of UFC debut

Conor McGregor has been left impressed by Ireland’s Danni McCormack after her ‘incredible finish’ victory at Road To UFC.

Road To UFC is a tournament that offers a pathway to MMA fighters to secure a once-in-a-lifetime contract with Dana White’s promotion.

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In a collection of posts on X, McGregor congratulated the 34-year-old who fights out of Straight Blast Gym Ireland. 

SBG is run by McGregor’s long-time friend and coach John Kavanagh, and has produced several UFC fighters such as ‘Notorious’ himself in the past.

In response to a post referencing the journey McCormack has endured after meeting Kavanagh by a Las Vegas swimming pool in 2015, he said: “Incredible! Huge congrats @dannimccormack and @John_Kavanagh! @ufc we’ve been here!

“Incredible Irish SBG fighter! @dannimccormack well done champ! Amazing win! #ForgedArmy.”

‘MAC’, who has nine wins in 11 MMA fights during her career, defeated China’s Yan Qihui by decision after a gruelling contest that left both fighters bloodied up.

The bout was one of many semi-finals that took place at the UFC Apex, and McCormack’s impressive performance leaves her in a good position to earn a contract.

Speaking after her victory, McCormack said: “I wanted a finish, but at the very least let’s get some blood going and let’s f***ing fight because I swear to God that’s who I am.

“I don’t know why I’m not already in the UFC because that’s what I’ve been doing for the last 10 fights. That’s who I am, whether I win or lose I’m going to f***ing fight. That’s why I’m playing this game, I don’t give a f*** about money.

“I’m here because I want to get in, get dirty, see who’s better and get some f***ing blood going and if I get the finish all the better, but to be honest I like the hardship – I like to go, I don’t want to just stop, I want to fight!”

UFC President White has been going back and forth with McGregor in recent weeks after he suggested the Irishman won’t fight in 2024.

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The former two-division champion was scheduled to make his highly-anticipated return against Michael Chandler at UFC 303 in Las Vegas on July 29 – but withdrew from the card due to a toe injury he suffered in training.

The main event was subsequently replaced with Alex Pereira vs Jan Prochazka at the T-Mobile Arena during which the former delivered a brutal head kick to retain his light heavyweight championship.

Chandler has also responded to McGregor in the last few weeks saying the UFC will ‘move on and thrive’ without him.

This response begs the question as to whether the pair will ever meet in the octagon after a prolonged period of trash talk, postponements and rumours.