Ronnie O'Sullivan has named his favourite sports star who he is 'fascinated' by

Snooker legend Ronnie O'Sullivan is 'fascinated' about his favourite sports star.

O'Sullivan, who won an unprecedented eighth Masters title following his explosive victory over Ali Carter, is widely regarded as the GOAT of snooker.

He's a seven-time world champion and has won 40 rankings titles during his legendary career.

But who does 'The Rocket' hold in high regard within the sporting world? Well, the 48-year-old named Conor McGregor as his favourite sports star.

O'Sullivan, who was sat Octagon side for UFC 286 in London last year, is 'fascinated' by the UFC superstar, calling him 'brilliant'.

Speaking to Stephen Hendry via The Irish Mirror, he explained: "I know he's not the best at what he's ever done but Conor McGregor, I'm fascinated by him.

"He's come from nothing, there's no filter, he says it out there. I'm really into how he's gone about his stuff. He doesn't care, he's brilliant."

Conor McGregor arrives for the 'Day of Reckoning' card in Saudi Arabia. Image: Getty

He referenced McGregor's blockbuster fight against Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 229 back in October 2018 and compared him to boxing legend 'Prince Naseem Hamed.

Even though the Irishman was forced to tap against Nurmagomedov, O'Sullivan praised his effort.

"When you watch him on TV, he's just... you have to watch him! He's fascinating," he added.

"He's the big name, he's like Nas (Naseem Hamed) was, you know. But then he fought Khabib (Nurmagomedov) - you couldn't beat him but he still had a go."

O'Sullivan is a big fight fan so him picking a combatant as his favourite sports star isn't a massive surprise.

McGregor is the biggest name in the UFC despite his time away from the Octagon.

He hasn't fought since July 2021 when he suffered a crushing defeat to Dustin Poirier.

But he's closing in on his UFC return, with a bout against Michael Chandler at UFC's annual International Fight Weekend card mooted.