sportbible homepage
sportbible homepage
  • Home
  • Football
    • Premier League
    • Champions League
    • World Cup
    • England
    • Transfer News
    • Manchester United
    • Liverpool
    • Arsenal
    • Real Madrid
    • Barcelona
  • Formula 1
    • Red Bull
    • Ferrari
    • McLaren
    • Mercedes
    • Max Verstappen
    • Lewis Hamilton
    • Lando Norris
    • George Russell
    • Charles Leclerc
  • Boxing
  • UFC
  • More Sport
    • Tennis
    • Golf
    • NBA
    • NFL
    • Darts
    • Athletics
    • Rugby
    • Wrestling
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Archive
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Snapchat
TikTok
Threads
YouTube
Submit Your Content Here
  • GAMINGbible
  • LADbible Group
  • UNILAD
  • LADbible
  • Tyla
  • FOODbible
  • UNILAD Tech
Conor McGregor Felt Fear For The First Time When He Put His Arm Around Vladimir Putin
Home>Football
Updated 13:56 22 Feb 2022 GMTPublished 12:34 22 Feb 2022 GMT

Conor McGregor Felt Fear For The First Time When He Put His Arm Around Vladimir Putin

Conor McGregor met Russia president Vladimir Putin at the 2018 World Cup final.

Josh Lawless

Josh Lawless

google discoverFollow us on Google Discover

One of the biggest and most confident personalities in sport, if not the world, Conor McGregor carries himself differently to everybody else.

He gets punched, kicked and choked inside a cage for a living and has made millions in the process. Intense as ever, there's never really been an opponent who made McGregor tremble.

Even rival Khabib Nurmagomedov, despite beating him comfortably, didn't faze the Irishman all that much.

Advert

But the one time McGregor showed a bit of fear was when in the company of Russia president Vladimir Putin.

The two-weight UFC champion was in attendance in Moscow for the 2018 World Cup final and met with the 70-year-old ahead of France's 4-2 win over Croatia.

Image: PA
Image: PA

Their exchange was captured for McGregor's YouTube channel 'TheMacLife' and the two were seen having a brief conversation.

They then had a picture together but McGregor made the mistake of putting his arm on the shoulder of Putin.

One of his security appeared to tell the Notorious One there was to be none of that and McGregor's facial expression changed dramatically.

The pair took the picture with McGregor's hands in front and he looked visibly nervous and uncomfortable for a few seconds.

A handshake and a pat did ensue before McGregor went on his way. The 33-year-old posted on Instagram about meeting Putin, who he called "one of the greatest leaders of our time".

"Today I was invited to the World Cup final as a guest of Russian President Vladimir Putin," McGregor wrote.

"This man is one of the greatest leaders of our time and I was honored to attend such a landmark event alongside him.

"Today was an honor for me Mr. Putin. Thank you and congratulations on an amazing World Cup.

Россия вперёд!"

Both McGregor and Khabib were both at the Luzhniki Stadium for the final four years but given their hatred for one another, it's probably for the best that they didn't cross paths.

Featured Image Credit: Image: TheMacLife

Topics: Conor McGregor, UFC, Khabib Nurmagomedov

Josh Lawless
Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and WWE. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has covered two WrestleMania events for SPORTbible.

X

@joshlawless_

Recommended reads

Thierry Henry on his ‘big brother’ France teammate, biggest influence and the discipline that defines himGetty Images'He battered me for it' - Lionel Messi's shirt ended up with ex England star Jack Wilshere after teammate assistGettyThree England stars disagree on the one player from another nation who England needGetty & SPORTbibleTommy Fury disagrees with Tyson's 'no choice' claim as he reveals why he doesn't want his children to boxGetty Images

Advert

  • Conor McGregor speaks out on Ilia Topuria comparisons after White House card defeat
  • Khabib Hits Back at 'Liar' Conor McGregor After 'Scam' Claim
  • Khabib Nurmagomedov Ends Conor McGregor Feud for Good With Final Brutal Post
  • Conor McGregor calls out 'strange' UFC decision and huge problem with White House event

Choose your content:

an hour ago
2 hours ago
  • Getty Images
    an hour ago

    From National League relegation to the World Cup in 37 days: Tommy Smith has achieved his dream against all odds

    We sat down with Smith, who is the lowest-ranked player from England's football pyramid to be involved at the World Cup.

    Football
  • Getty Images
    an hour ago

    Uruguay camp 'plunged into chaos' hours before crucial World Cup game vs Spain

    The two-time winners take on Spain, needing a positive result to progress.

    Football
  • Getty Images
    2 hours ago

    England star major doubt for Panama clash as Thomas Tuchel's leaked XI emerges with three changes expected

    England round off their Group L campaign against Panama on Saturday (June 27).

    Football
  • Getty Images
    2 hours ago

    White House issues statement as US eyes third World Cup in 44 years

    The US are currently hosting the 2026 World Cup, having previously hosted in 1994.

    Football