Conor McGregor has responded to his explosive war of words with Dustin Poirier over a donation to the American's charity by donating $500,000 to a good cause in Louisiana – just not the one founded by Poirier.
McGregor and Poirier's January rematch, which Poirier won by second-round TKO, was characterized – in part, at least – by an unusually cordial relationship between the UFC lightweight rivals, with McGregor declaring that he would donate $500,000 to Poirier's 'Good Fight Foundation' as a gesture of good faith.
The situation, however, threatened to turn nasty when Poirier took to social media to call out McGregor, claiming his team were yet to push forward with the donation.
A furious McGregor countered, saying that they were awaiting information on exactly how the money would be used. Poirier later admitted that he regretted taking his issues with McGregor into the public sphere.
While it seems that McGregor now wants no part of Poirier's foundation, he has made a move to ensure that youngsters in Poirier's home state will benefit from his rather sizeable bank balance, announcing that he will donate half a million dollars of his net worth to the Boys and Girls Club of Acadiana in Lafayette.
"Boys & Girls Clubs of Acadiana received an unexpected call last week and are humbled to share that Conor McGregor is donating $500,000 to impact youth in South Louisiana by supporting our upcoming 2021 Summer Camp and ongoing health and recreation activities at our six club sites," the group announced on Facebook.
"This investment is a game-changer. Thank you, Conor, for helping to ensure that our kids have what they need to grow and thrive this summer."
The charity has previously worked in tandem with the Good Fight Foundation, with Poirier helping to provide funding for tutoring and transportation during the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Some fans, though, were perhaps a little more cynical about the motives behind McGregor's donation.
"Brilliant. A donation made out of spite," said one fight fan on Twitter, while another added that no matter the motives behind the charitable move, young people in Lafayette will still benefit from it.
"He still ended up donating to the kids in Lafayette. Good for him," they wrote.
A third saw a more humorous side: "Alright that’s kind of funny. Very petty. But funny."
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