Conor McGregor Explains What Sparked His Anger Towards Machine Gun Kelly in Front of Megan Fox

UFC superstar Conor McGregor revisits the infamous 2021 altercation with Machine Gun Kelly while discussing his moral stances.

Conor McGregor Explains What Sparked His Anger Towards Machine Gun Kelly in Front of Megan Fox

Conor McGregor details MGK altercation (via talkSPORT, MMA Fighting)

Conor McGregor has a long-standing habit of becoming the center of attention whenever he appears in public spaces. This crowd pull was clearly visible at the 2021 MTV Video Music Awards where he drew massive focus after getting involved in a heated scuffle with rapper Machine Gun Kelly. The Irishman has now recently revisited the moment years later, bringing renewed attention to the incident.

McGregor confronted Machine Gun Kelly at the 2021 MTV Video Music Awards red carpet after a brief tense exchange while popular actress Megan Fox was present alongside MGK. The Irishman reportedly lunged at MGK before being restrained by security in front of cameras and event attendees. The situation escalated briefly but did not develop into a full physical fight due to immediate intervention.

McGregor recently appeared on The Ariel Helwani Show, where he defended Ilia Topuria after Terence Crawford trolled him following his UFC Freedom 250 loss. McGregor said he does not support kicking someone who is already down, pointing to his own experience after suffering a broken leg. He recalled the incident with MGK at the MTV Awards as an example of the treatment he received during that period.

I thought he shouldn’t have kicked a man when he’s down, especially when you’re ringside. That’s what happened to me and this Machine Gun Kelly guy that time. Not to say they are even the same, but just as a comparison. I’m at the VMAs. I walk out of the car. I’ve got the whiskey glass. I’ve got the gold cane. I’m only after the fresh break of my leg. I go, ‘Megan [Fox], how are you, darling? You’re always at the fights.’ And he’s lucky he didn’t get his face broke badly there. If you’re ringside and you’re afforded that opportunity, I just found it a bit distasteful.

Conor McGregor via The Ariel Helwani Show

McGregor’s issues with MGK did not end with their altercation at the MTV Awards. In 2023, he mocked the rapper after a resurfaced video showed MGK involved in an altercation with police during an old skateboarding incident. The rapper also caught McGregor’s attention ahead of UFC 303 when he was seen with Michael Chandler, who was scheduled to face the Irishman before the fight was canceled.

Machine Gun Kelly, whose real name is Colson Baker, was also involved in a heated feud with UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland. The feud began at a Power Slap event in 2024 after the two were introduced, with Strickland mocking MGK’s appearance and style during a tense exchange. The verbal altercation quickly went viral, and both continued taking shots at each other through social media.

While those incidents remain part of the story, Conor McGregor is now focused on his upcoming return against Max Holloway at UFC 329. Meanwhile, Machine Gun Kelly remains an avid UFC fan and is regularly seen attending major events. Yet despite several years having passed since their scuffle at the 2021 MTV Video Music Awards, the incident appears to remain fresh in the mind of ‘The Notorious One.’

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Conor McGregor reveals why he prefers fighting over any other way of life on Popular Late Night Show

Beyond fighting, Conor McGregor has built a sizeable business portfolio outside the Octagon. His ventures include The Black Forge Inn in Dublin, Forged Irish Stout, The Mac Life media platform, and the McGregor FAST fitness program. He has also been involved in the August McGregor clothing brand, expanding his reach across hospitality, media, fitness, alcohol, and fashion.

Conor McGregor on Jimmy Fallon
Conor McGregor on Jimmy Fallon (via X)

McGregor famously sold his stake in Proper No. Twelve to Proximo Spirits in 2021 as part of a deal reported to be worth up to $600 million. His current net worth is also estimated at around $200 million. Ahead of his UFC 329 return, McGregor recently appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where he discussed why fighting remains his primary passion despite his ventures outside the sport.

I’ve done movies, I’ve done other things, but fighting is my bread and butter. It’s what lights a fire in my belly. Being back in a structured and disciplined routine brings out the best version of me.

Conor McGregor via The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon

Many believed the financial success Conor McGregor enjoyed following his 2018 boxing match with Floyd Mayweather Jr. and the Proper No. Twelve deal had reduced the likelihood of him ever returning to elite competition. With UFC 329 approaching, the Irishman has made it clear that he is fully focused on his comeback, signaling that his attention is once again centered on competition inside the Octagon.

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