Rory McIlroy sad to miss Conor McGregor fight
Rory McIlroy has been to UFC star Conor McGregor’s last three fights but will miss Saturday’s clash due to European Tour commitments.
The Northern Irishman heaped praise on the UFC for being one of the first sports to host live events during the pandemic. The creation of Fight Island in Abu Dhabi allowed for a bio-bubble to be created and for international stars like Irishman McGregor to fight without entering the Covid-19 hit US.
McIlroy tees off at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship on Thursday, which happens to be is just a 30-minute drive from Fight Island. But unfortunately, Covid-19 protocols prevent him from attending.
“The UFC have done a great job,” said McIlroy ahead of McGregor’s lightweight bout against Dustin Poirier.
“Obviously this weekend, in Abu Dhabi, Conor McGregor is fighting. I’ve been to his last three UFC fights. I was trying to get an angle of hoe to get there, but obviously with the European Tour and the bubble, it was proving quite difficult.
“So I’ll hopefully be watching it on TV while having breakfast and getting ready to go out and try and win this tournament.”
McIlroy also touched on the escape that sport gives fans the world over, which has been especially prized during the pandemic.
“I think one of the great things about sports is that it has been a bit of a release from everything that’s going on in the world and to provide that entertainment,” he added.
“Even for people in our position where we get to come out and do our job, it’s still nice to watch something on TV that you don’t know the result of.”
McIlroy tees off along with fellow former world number one’s Justin Thomas and Lee Westwood at Abu Dhabi Golf Club on Thursday.
Latest
-
NewsDavid Lynn remains modest about finishing runner-up at 2012 US PGA Championship
Lynn spent most of the build-up to the US PGA doing DIY and digging the garden before realising some practice might be in order.
-
NewsRichard Bland holds nerve to land first European Tour title at 478th attempt
The 48-year-old completed a dramatic victory at the Betfred British Masters.
-
NewsRichard Bland claims maiden European Tour title at 478th attempt at The Belfry
Bland becomes the oldest first-time winner in European Tour history.
-
NewsCurtis Strange backs Rory McIlroy to thrive off fans at US PGA Championship
The Northern Irishman recently claimed his first win for 18 months.
-
NewsEddie Pepperell has the edge as he targets another British Masters success
A birdie putt on the 18th hole at The Belfry gives the home hope a one-shot lead.
-
NewsFormer Ryder Cup star Edoardo Molinari claims clubhouse lead at British Masters
Molinari fired nine birdies and a solitary bogey in a third round of 64 at The Belfry.
-
NewsUS PGA Championship hopefuls may need to go the distance in more ways than one
Kiawah Island will play to a maximum of 7,876 yards.
-
NewsRobert MacIntyre in three-way tie for British Masters lead
The 24-year-old sits alongside fellow Scot Calum Hill and English veteran Richard Bland on seven under par.
-
NewsRichard Bland eyeing maiden European Tour title at 478th attempt
The 48-year-old leads the British Masters by one shot at the halfway stage.
-
NewsMatthias Schwab shrugs off US PGA snub to lead Betfred British Masters
Tournament host Danny Willett is on three under following a 69.