Kenny Egan was in Castlebar on Saturday for the Sporting Excellence conference at Breaffy House.
The 2008 Olympic silver medalist spoke during the Olympic Journey presentation.
Egan has never been a fan of MMA.
Nearly three years ago, he sparked a Twitter spat with Conor McGregor when he 'had the craic' with the UFC fighter regarding his views of MMA.
“@diggydoom: @kenegan30 @treeman1980 @thenotoriousmma pic.twitter.com/Q0MQ9b0aJq
— Kenneth Egan OLY (@kenegan30) April 7, 2013
@kenegan30 @diggydoom @treeman1980 Keep it shut Kenny, in pure un-armed combat, in its purest form, you are a NOVICE, stick to what you know
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) April 7, 2013
@TheNotoriousMMA @diggydoom @treeman1980 keep your frilly panties on, I'm only having the Craic
— Cllr Kenneth Egan (@kenegan30) April 7, 2013
@kenegan30 Do I know you personally to have the 'craic'? No. So keep your mouth shut and keep me out of your tweets
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) April 7, 2013
On Saturday, Egan once again voiced his opinion of MMA.
Egan claimed that MMA's place in Irish sport is ephemeral and once Conor McGregor calls it a day, it will return to being a niche sport in Ireland.
It (MMA - after McGregor retires) will go back to where it belongs, underground.
Quote " It (MMA - after McGregor retires) will go back to where it belongs, underground' #sportingexcellence pic.twitter.com/toqIrF92u1
— Sportsfile (@sportsfile) March 12, 2016
McGregor's profile undoubtedly has majorly contributed to MMA's rise in Ireland. MMA gyms - such as SBG - have popped up around the country. Given McGregor's substantial earnings, there will be no shortage of those attempting to become the next Conor McGregor in the future.
A return to the 'underground' is unlikely.
Picture credit: Sportsfile
