Dana White has shared his thoughts on Conor McGregor’s recent incident involving the Miami Heat’s mascot, saying that he is not surprised by McGregor’s behavior. White believes that the individuals who invited the former two-division champion onto the court should have been more careful about using his larger-than-life persona.

White referenced a similar incident involving former heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder, who had previously attacked Nacion mascot. He questioned the motives behind mascots seeking to be punched in the face by professional fighters and suggested that inviting a professional fighter to do so was not a wise decision.

White further added that the materials used to make the mascot costumes can hardly be described as sturdy, and unless they were wearing sturdy protective gear like the Golden Knights mascot, a metal helmet, it would not be wise to have professional fighters punching mascots in the face. He described the act as foolish and not the brightest idea in the world.

During Game 4 of the NBA Finals, Conor McGregor appeared mid-game at Miami’s Kaseya Center to promote his cryotherapy spray and encountered “Burnie,” the Heat’s mascot, who had donned a pair of boxing gloves. Wearing a red track suit, McGregor let go of a left hand and then threw in another punch for good measure as Burnie lay on the court.

The incident soon made headlines when the man wearing the Burnie costume reportedly went to the Emergency Room with minor injuries. McGregor, who recently wrapped up a coaching stint on The Ultimate Fighter 31 opposite Michael Chandler, is expected to return to the octagon at the end of this year in his first fight since suffering a broken leg at UFC 264 in July 2021.