Noel Gallagher explains how Conor McGregor inspired love for MMA after UFC appearance with Dana White

Noel Gallagher surprised many MMA fans when he made an appearance at UFC London this past weekend.

But it turns out the rock and roll star is actually a huge fan of the sport.

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Gallagher enjoyed the fights at the O2 Arena in London alongside his two sons, meeting Britain’s first-ever UFC champion and Hall of Famer Michael Bisping before entering the Octagon at one point with UFC CEO Dana White.

Manchester’s Lerone Murphy came up short in the main event on the night, suffering a majority decision defeat to Movsar Evloev, who now looks set to fight UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski next.

British stars Michael ‘Venom’ Page, Luke Riley and Christian Leroy Duncan also scored wins on the main card, with the latter entering the rankings for the first time in his career.

Gallagher appeared on talkSPORT’s Drive with Andy Goldstein and Darren Bent this week to discuss Manchester City’s Carabao Cup final win against Arsenal on Sunday.

He said the Citizens’ 2-0 win topped the ‘best weekend ever’ alongside brother Liam, while also throwing shade at Gooner fan Bent, with UFC London the catalyst to it all.

When Goldstein admitted that he didn’t see Gallagher as a UFC fan, the Oasis star explained how his love for the sport began.

Noel Gallagher’s MMA love affair

“I’ve grown into it,” the award-winning songwriter Gallagher said.

“When [Conor] McGregor came along, I happened to be in Ireland one night and we were in a pub in Galway, or wherever it was.

“I don’t think he was part of the UFC then, he was in another organisation [Cage Warriors].

“The pub was packed waiting for [McGregor] to appear and he was like this, the trash talk and all that. 

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“When he went to the UFC, we followed his fights, but my lads are experts at it.

“They know everything about the UFC, and I mean everything.

“Every fighter, all the stats, what they weigh, where they train — it’s become a bit of a thing when the fights are on. I’ve got a flat full of teenagers until 6am, which is interesting.”

Gallagher concluded: “I love it now.

“Once you see the UFC, you just go off boxing. Boxing is for fairies!”

Is McGregor going to fight again?

McGregor hasn’t fought in the UFC since July 2021 but is expected to make a fighting return this year.

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The Irishman was rumoured for months to feature on the promotion’s historic UFC White House card until White announced Ilia Topuria vs Justin Gaethje as the headliner.

McGregor is now set to return during the UFC’s International Fight Week in July, when Paddy Pimblett also wants to make a comeback.

Esteemed MMA journalist Ariel Helwani said this week that it would take “something disastrous” for the 37-year-old not to fight on the July 11 card, with Max Holloway a potential opponent.

UFC Schedule

For all the upcoming fights and results this year, check out talkSPORT.com’s UFC schedule.