Ben Askren Calls Out Conor McGregor for ‘Bullying’ Youngsters in Italy

Former Bellator world champion Ben Askren harshly reacts to the video of Conor McGregor sparring young fighters in Italy.

Ben Askren Calls Out Conor McGregor for ‘Bullying’ Youngsters in Italy

Ben Askren calls out Conor McGregor for bullying young fighters (via BBC, talkSport, X)

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There is no doubt that fans have anticipated former double champion Conor McGregor‘s return. The Irishman has been teasing a return to the Octagon ever since his last fight in 2021. With an active social media presence, McGregor posts videos of himself training and partying to keep fans updated. However, former UFC fighter Ben Askren had some strong words for a video posted by the ‘Notorious One’.

Askren took to X and expressed his dismay about a video of McGregor sparring with young MMA fighters in Italy. The Irishman, rocking a mohawk, could be seen pushing the fighters hard in the gym and showing them what it was like to train with a real MMA fighter. However, Askren had some questions regarding McGregor’s sparring video in Italy.

What does beating up fighters who aren’t good prove or do to make you better? These videos are so dumb.

Ben Askren via X

The controversial training video was initially viewed by fans as a hint for McGregor’s return to the Octagon. However, fans have also supported the Irishman by understanding that a certain amount of pressure was necessary for young MMA fighters to learn the sport. However, Askren believed that the Irishman was doing this just to make himself feel better.

McGregor last fought in 2021 when he suffered a broken leg against Dustin Poirier in their trilogy fight. The ‘Notorious One’ was set to return to complete his TUF rivalry against Michael Chandler at UFC 303. However, to everyone’s dismay, McGregor pulled out of the fight due to a pinky toe injury, which caused the main event to be changed to a title bout between Alex Pereira and Jiri Prochazka.

Askren has always been a vocal advocate for young fighters, inspiring them to be better versions of themselves. However, the American wrestler faced a life-threatening illness recently that almost got the best of him. Nevertheless, ‘Funky’ pushed through and put out inspiring social media posts of himself recovering from a double lung transplant surgery.

Askren’s comments reflect a broader critique of modern fight culture, where viral moments often overshadow the substance of competition. This also aligns with his long-standing reputation for valuing fundamentals and real challenges over spectacle.

Ben Askren talks about Conor McGregor’s career trajectory

There is no doubt that McGregor garners the attention of fans whenever he teases a potential return to the Octagon. However, the MMA community and fighters have given up on anticipating the Irishman’s return due to his lavish and unhealthy lifestyle. Ben Askren feels that it is doubtful that fans will ever see McGregor back in the Octagon ever again.

Ben Askren talks about Conor McGregors career
Ben Askren talks about Conor McGregor’s career (via Bloody Elbow, People)

Askren spoke out on the ‘Notorious’ and doubts if he will ever come back to the Octagon due to his newfound success in the business world. However, ‘Funky’ did not dismiss McGregor’s new lifestyle but instead believed that it would not help him to fight again. He also mentioned the canceled bout that was supposed to take place at UFC 303.

I think Conor, in his delusions of grandeur, probably still sees himself at the top of the heap and probably still sees himself getting another belt. And there’s a chance, because listen, here’s the thing about Michael Chandler — I love Michael Chandler, he was my college teammate, but every Michael Chandler fight is almost a coin flip.

Ben Askren via Funky and the Champ show

McGregor remains the UFC’s biggest draw, but his trajectory shows a shift from relentless competitor to global entertainer and businessman. While his prime dominance may be behind him, his name continues to carry unmatched star power, keeping him relevant even as questions about his fighting future linger.

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