6/11/2023 Miami – The NBA Finals took an unexpected turn on Friday night when UFC superstar Conor McGregor punched and injured the Miami Heat mascot Burnie during a halftime bit. McGregor apparently took the skit too far with real punches that weren’t softened enough by the mascot’s costume. Complex Sports posted their video of the clash on Twitter here.

Burnie was rushed to the hospital and is expected to make a full recovery, but not before he posted a sarcastic tweet from his official account: “Thanks for the love @TheNotoriousMMA. Next time, try to hit harder. You hit like a girl. #BurnedByBurnie”

McGregor also took to Twitter to defend his actions and taunt Burnie: “Don’t mess with the champ @BurnieTheMascot. You’re lucky I didn’t kick your furry ass. You’re a disgrace to the Heat. #McGregorVsBurnie”

Micky Arison, owner of the Heat, took exception with McGregor’s behavior and challenged him to a UFC match in a press conference today. “You think you’re tough, @TheNotoriousMMA? You think you can mess with my team and my mascot? You’re nothing but a coward and a bully. I challenge you to a UFC match. Let’s see how you do against a real man. #ArisonVsMcGregor #JusticeForBurnie #HeatNation”

McGregor, who is known for his trash talk and arrogance, responded with his own tweet, mocking Arison and Burnie. “Who the fook is this guy? @MickyArison You’re a billionaire who owns a basketball team. You don’t belong in the UFC. You belong in the nursing home. And your mascot is a joke. He deserved what he got. He should have learned to respect the champ. #McGregorRules #BurnieSucks #NuggetsIn5”

Burnie, who received pain meds before being released from the hospital, also issued a statement through his official Instagram account on Saturday, expressing his disappointment and anger at McGregor. “I can’t believe what happened last night. I was just trying to have some fun and entertain the fans. He overreacted and assaulted me. He’s a jerk and a sore loser. He can’t handle the heat. Literally. #BurnieStrong #HeatForever #McGregorIsTrash”

The news of the challenge has gone viral on social media, with fans and celebrities weighing in on the potential fight. Some are supporting Arison and Burnie, while others are backing McGregor and mocking the Heat owner and mascot. Here are some of the most popular tweets:

• “@TheNotoriousMMA vs @MickyArison is the fight we need in 2023. Make it happen @danawhite. #UFC”
• “@MickyArison are you serious? You’re 73 years old and you want to fight @TheNotoriousMMA? Do you have a death wish? #ArisonVsMcGregor”
• “@BurnieTheMascot you’re my hero. You stood up to @TheNotoriousMMA and made him look like a fool. Get well soon. #BurnedByBurnie”
• “@TheNotoriousMMA you’re a legend. You showed @BurnieTheMascot who’s the boss. Don’t let @MickyArison get in your head. He’s just jealous of your success. #McGregorVsBurnie”
• @KingJames: I’m with @MickyArison and Burnie on this one. McGregor crossed the line. He needs to be taught a lesson. #TeamHeat #RespectTheMascot #NuggetsOut
• @Drake: My boy @TheNotoriousMMA is unstoppable. He would destroy @MickyArison in seconds. Burnie is a clown. Literally. #TeamMcGregor #OVO
• @TheRock: This is hilarious. I love it. I want to see this fight happen. @MickyArison vs @TheNotoriousMMA in the UFC. Who would win? I don’t know, but I know one thing: it would be epic. #BringItOn #TheRockSays #Jumanji3

As of this writing, McGregor has not accepted Arison’s challenge. It is unknown whether there will be any disciplinary action against McGregor taken by the NBA or UFC. In the meantime, the Heat are down 3-1 in the series against the Nuggets and will try to avoid elimination on Monday night in Denver.

BY BS

The Journalist BS

Photo Credit: Craiyon AI