Conor McGregor’s explosive power is a trait that made him a legend of the mixed martial arts world.
But his fighting instincts got him into a spot of bother during a strange NBA promotional stunt.
The UFC great, 34, was sitting courtside for game four of the finals series between the Miami Heat and the Denver Nuggets.
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McGregor was called on during the half-time break to help plug a cryotherapy pain relief spray.
As he stood in the middle of the court with the microphone, the Heat mascot known as Burnie appeared wearing giant golden boxing gloves.
The mascot playfully shaped up to McGregor, which was clearly scripted as part of the promotion.
But the fighting legend appeared to get a little carried away when he landed a vicious left hook right on Burnie’s beak, knocking the mascot’s hat off and sending it crashing to the floor.
The punch looked to genuinely stun Burnie but McGregor decided to go in and land another left-hand punch right in its face.
A number of staff quickly arrived on scene and attended to Burnie, while one looked to hold McGregor back for fear he would take another swing.
Burnie was then dragged off the court by the feet.
While the entire stunt was part of the show, reports later revealed the person portraying Burnie had to be taken to hospital for checks, having copped two serious punches from McGregor – one of the best fighters in the world.
Burnie was reportedly released from hospital with no serious injuries.
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