'Earning 300 billion won and returning': McGregor faces 'decline' controversy, spars with 45-year-old Kim Dong-hyun → "Too sloppy..." Humiliating criticism floods in 'Woo-su-su'

*This content was translated by AI.

UFC's top troublemaker, Conor McGregor (37, Ireland), has finally officially confirmed his return to the octagon after five years. However, the joy of his comeback was short-lived, as a recently leaked training video showing his pitiful performance has drawn cold sarcasm and criticism from combat sports fans.

British outlet 'The Sun' on the 24th (Korean time) reported, "After a sparring video of McGregor ahead of his UFC return was leaked online, he has been subjected to cruel mockery from combat sports fans."

McGregor is set to face his arch-rival Max Holloway (35) in a welterweight bout at UFC 329's main event, to be held on July 11 in Las Vegas, USA. This rematch, which will take place 13 years after their first encounter in 2013 where McGregor won by unanimous decision, has finally come to fruition.

Known as UFC's top star, McGregor is the first fighter to hold titles in both the featherweight and lightweight divisions simultaneously. He is also reported to have amassed a net worth of over $200 million (approximately 300 billion won) through boxing matches against Floyd Mayweather Jr. and other ventures.

However, noise emerged during McGregor's comeback preparation. McGregor had been preparing for his return at the Straight Blast Gym in Dublin, Ireland, when a sparring video with former UFC welterweight fighter 'Mami Kim' Kim Dong-hyun (45), who recently visited the gym, was released. 'The Sun' reported, "In a video shared on Kim Dong-hyun's YouTube channel, McGregor left fans with a massive sense of disappointment."

The reaction from combat sports fans who viewed the video was not just cold, but cruel. Fans expressed concern watching McGregor struggle against 44-year-old veteran Kim Dong-hyun, who has been away from the MMA stage for nearly a decade. On social networking services (SNS), sharp criticisms poured in, including: "Extremely sloppy," "Conor is completely done for. If he keeps doing this kind of show-off training, he could really die in the octagon," "This isn't the UFC of 2016 when he was at his peak," and "McGregor looks too slow."

Some even referenced Holloway, who currently maintains top-tier skills, pleading, "Please don't match Holloway with McGregor," calling for the fight to be canceled.

Regardless of the criticism, McGregor's comeback is considered UFC's biggest box office draw. Since suffering a gruesome injury where his left leg broke in the first round of his third fight against Dustin Poirier in 2021, McGregor has not stepped into the octagon for five years. Initially, a comeback against Michael Chandler was planned, but he withdrew due to a toe fracture. He also faced a 18-month suspension after refusing random drug tests three times, with the ban only lifted on March 20 this year. Outside the octagon, he also faced his worst period, being found civilly liable for a sexual assault allegation at a Dublin hotel, with his appeal to the Supreme Court rejected.

Despite this, McGregor stated, "I am entering a high-intensity training camp and feel very energized. I am grateful to my coaches and training partners," and "I have become stronger than ever and am enjoying the opportunity to show my skills to the world once again," confidently predicting a victory in the Holloway fight.

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*This content was translated by AI.