MIAMI (AP) — Former UFC champion Conor McGregor knocked out the Miami Heat icon in a midgame bout.
Burney — more specifically, the occupant of Burney’s suit — briefly sought medical attention after taking two punches from McGregor during the 4th quarter of Game 3 of the NBA Finals. Between the Heat and the Denver Nuggets.
The employee, who was not identified, was taking painkillers and resting at home, the Heat said Saturday.
McGregor was a publicity stunt for a pain relief spray — and was booed by many in the Miami crowd before the bout began. The flame mascot wore oversized boxing gloves and a robe similar to that worn by a fighter entering the ring for a fight. McGregor hit Burnie with a left hook, knocking him down, then punched the mascot again after he hit the floor.
McGregor then tried to “spray” the mascot with a pain relief product while several members of the Heat’s sports promotion team dragged Burney off the court.
McGregor has not fought since injuring his left leg in a loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021. His last win came in January 2020.
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