Conor McGregor has claimed him punching the Miami Heat mascot was part of a stunt and insisted "all is well".
The Miami Heat mascot reportedly had to attend hospital after being punched by the Notorious at basketball’s NBA finals last weekend.
A promotional stunt during game four between the Heat and Denver Nuggets appeared to end badly as former two-weight UFC champion McGregor floored ‘Burnie’, who was wearing oversized boxing gloves, with a left hook before adding another punch as the stricken Miami mascot lay on his back.
READ MORE: Conor McGregor pays tribute to Christy Dignam following Aslan singer's death
However, McGregor insists "it was all part of the show" and that the mascot was fine after the incident.
He told TMZ in New York: "The mascot is good. It was a skit, and all is well. I spent a lot of time with him afterward, we talked it out, everything is great. It was all part of the show!"
The Miami Herald said that “the man behind the Burnie costume has never revealed his name publicly and the team does not identify him in its media guide”.
McGregor, who was booed by many in the Miami crowd even before walking on court, stayed for the entire game as the Nuggets won 108-95 to secure a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series.
UFC president Dana White questioned the practice of mascots taking punches from “professional fighters”, highlighting the 2018 incident when former world heavyweight boxing champion Deontay Wilder was invited to show his punching power on a hot-dog like creature.
Asked about the McGregor incident at the UFC 289 post-fight press conference, White said: “I saw the Deontay Wilder one too.
“What’s up with mascots getting punched in the face by professional fighters? What do you expect?
“What are those mascot things made out of? Unless you’re like the Golden Knights mascot…with a metal helmet…
“I wouldn’t have professional fighters punch me in the face if I was a mascot, doesn’t seem like the brightest thing in the world.”
READ NEXT:
Rory McIlroy avoids US Open media duty as PIF merger remains in the news
Conor McGregor splashes over €1,100 on toys for his children
Hampden Park hero Amber Barrett seals switch to Standard Liege ahead of World Cup
Jorge Masvidal wants Conor McGregor 'banned' from Miami after mascot gets hospitalised
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
