Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Conor McGregor bus attack remains one of the most infamous moments of his career as the former UFC champion prepares to return against Max Holloway at UFC 329.
The 2018 incident at Barclays Center in New York became a turning point in McGregor’s rivalry with Khabib Nurmagomedov, long before their huge UFC 229 fight in Las Vegas.
The controversy returns to focus before Conor McGregor vs Max Holloway 2, where Alexander Volkanovski has tipped Holloway to finish the job at UFC 329.
Rivalry Boils Over In New York
The tension between McGregor and Nurmagomedov had been building since UFC 205, when the unbeaten Russian called out the Irish star after beating Michael Johnson.
“Your guy, beginning of the year, he tapped like a chicken. End of the year, he fights for the title. Crazy,” Nurmagomedov told the Madison Square Garden crowd.
“Irish only six million. Russian, 150 million. I want to fight with your chicken.”
The rivalry exploded during UFC 223 fight week after Nurmagomedov confronted McGregor teammate Artem Lobov at the fighter hotel.
Lobov had earlier called Nurmagomedov a “coward” and said: “Conor shows up every time no matter what. He’s a true fighter. He’s a true champion.”
Bus Attack Leaves UFC Furious
McGregor and his entourage later arrived at Barclays Center, where fighters were boarding buses after media duties.
He threw a metal equipment dolly at a bus carrying several fighters, smashing a window and sending glass across the vehicle.
Michael Chiesa suffered facial cuts and was ruled out of his fight with Anthony Pettis, while Ray Borg also withdrew because of an eye injury.
Holloway, who was nearby, later recalled the chaos.
“We were on the other bus. I didn’t even know it was Conor,” he told The MMA Hour.
Dana White condemned the incident immediately.
“This is the most disgusting thing that has ever happened in the history of this company.”
McGregor later pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct and avoided jail.
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