Conor McGregor is no stranger to tweeting from the hip, only to delete the posts later, but his latest 'tweet and delete' has sparked outrage from all corners of Ireland.
MMA star Paul Hughes lost to Usman Nurmagomedov in a world title fight last weekend, but fought valiantly and respectfully greeted Khabib, who is a cousin of his opponent, in the octagon after the bout.
In a clip that went viral, Hughes told Khabib how much he respected him and that he was not "like that other guy" referring to Conor McGregor who has a long standing feud with the Russian fighter.
McGregor didn't waste any time in hitting back on social media, making reference to the fact that Hughes is from the north of Ireland, and therefor not deemed Irish enough to wear the flag.
"Get that flag off you you little know what you are **** from [sic] up there."
The northern fighter helms from county Derry, and is incredibly proud of his heritage, identity and nationality, so responded in kind.
"Always said u were the goat, paid homage at every opportunity. But coming for my Irish identity just shows where you head is at."
@TheNotoriousMMA always said u were the goat, payed homage at every opportunity.
But coming at my Irish identity just shows where your head is at.
— Paul Hughes MMA (@paulhughesmma) January 29, 2025
Many fans from the north of Ireland who once supported McGregor have subsequently turned their back on their former hero, and stand with Hughes in this online spat.
Former Republic of Ireland international and current Wrexham footballer James McClean has always been very vocal about the deeply troubled history of the north, and in particular his native Derry.
The ex Premier League attacker took to Instagram, posting a story to show his support form his fellow countyman.
"@PaulHughesMMA proper Irishman, keep flying that flag high, class act that fellow Northerners and fellow IRISH are PROUD of."
Another sporting legend who helms from Derry is All-Ireland winner Joe Brolly, although the former RTE pundit has never been a fan of McGregor, often criticising him on social media, so it should come as no surprise to see that he retweeted the former UFC champ with a sarcastic remark.
"Nice lad that Conor McGregor. He should run for president."
Hughes wasn't only greeted with support from Irish stars from the north, as Dublin GAA legend Philly McMahon also made his stance on the debate very clear.
"Fair enough, you’re p*ssed he doesn’t have [hate] ‘The Enemy,’ but disrespecting Paul Hughes just because he’s from Derry?
"That city has been through hell, stood tall for Ireland, and produced some of the most patriotic people we’ve ever seen. Show some respect. #Derry@paulhughesmma"
"Fair enough, you're pissed he doesn’t have ‘The Enemy,’ but disrespecting Paul Hughes just because he’s from Derry? That city has been through hell, stood tall for Ireland, and produced some of the most patriotic people we’ve ever seen. Show some respect. #Derry @paulhughesmma
— Philly Mc Mahon (@PhillyMcMahon) January 29, 2025
Hughes himself appeared on Ariel Helwani’s MMA show to discuss McGregor’s comments.
"I wasn’t offended at all. A lot of people in Ireland, especially in Northern Ireland, would be deeply offended by the things he said.
"But I am not offended and did not take it personally because it seems like it’s another day in his life of tweeting madness.
"I don’t hold that much weight to what he says anymore, which is kind of a sad thing but that’s the reality of how I felt. In fact I kind of just laughed at it when I saw it."
McGregor has since posted and deleted more tweets, and it is unlikely that this is the last we will hear on the matter.