Conor McGregor faces backlash over 'envious' comments on Katie Taylor's retirement fight at Croke Park

12:25, 07 Sep 2026Updated 12:44, 07 Sep 2026

Conor McGregor has faced criticism over his response to Katie Taylor's final fight at Croke Park on Saturday night.

The Dubliner wasn't present at GAA Headquarters to witness Taylor's victory over France's Flora Pili, but afterwards took to social media suggesting Taylor, who symbolically left her boxing gloves and belts in the centre of the ring following her win, should consider one more bout.

He posted: "Fantastic scenes in Croke Park, Ireland for Katie Taylor's most recent fight! She looked better than ever! Younger, fresher, renewed like the eagles! ALL HAIL KING JESUS!".

From the source "#GoAgainKatie #OneMoreTune #RetirementPostponed #JesusReigns."

McGregor subsequently added: "Katie Taylor, let's do ONE MORE FOR THE MAC Well done champ!" reports the Irish Mirror.

Two minutes afterwards, he shared another message stating: "McGregor Taylor Muhammad Ali."

The messages haven't been well received by Irish people, 83,000 of whom filled Croke Park for Saturday's landmark occasion.

One individual responded: "No one is turning up for you the way they did for Katie, leave it out this is her moment."

Another remarked: "A lot of differences between you and Katie she earned the respect in Ireland and then conquered the world. Don't think I have ever seen her trying to steal the limelight, which you are trying to do now."

Another commenter wrote: "You could have, and for a brief moment in your early career it looked likely you would. But you will never ever have what she had. And that's the adoration, respect and love of the whole nation. And you know it. And it absolutely kills you. The envy is oozing out of your words."

A further remark read: "Don't you dare ride on her coattails."

Well before her bout with Pili, Taylor had made it abundantly clear that the fight would mark the end of her boxing career.

Following a historic evening in the ring, she spoke openly about her eagerness to unwind with her loved ones and savour the rewards of her hard work.

"I certainly have no regrets and when I look back on my whole career, that's an amazing thing to be able to say," Taylor said.

"Now I'm going to relax with the family, have a nice celebration and look back at my time in the ring.

"It's been an amazing career and last night was a dream ending to a dream career. What a way to end!".

"I'm retired now, so I can eat all I want! Just be a bit more spontaneous and go away on vacation whenever I want to. I'm looking forward to putting my feet up and relaxing for a while.

"My whole life has been more of a training camp, so it's been training camp after training camp after training camp.

"I'm actually going to have the freedom to do whatever I want and just enjoy the fruits of the labour, really. I can't wait for that."