Conor McGregor has paid tribute to fellow athlete Kobe Bryant after the basketball legend tragically died in a helicopter crash on January 26.
Bryant was travelling over Calabasas, near Los Angeles, when his helicopter crashed in the nearby mountains.
It’s believed Bryant and his daughter, Gianna are among nine people to have died in the accident.
‘Very Sad News’
UFC star McGregor has now remembered his fellow sportsman, speaking about the tragedy on the red carpet at the 2020 Grammy Awards.
‘Notorious’ reflected on the untimely death of one of sports biggest stars, and said his life should be celebrated.
Speaking to Fox News, McGregor said: “It’s very sad news,”
“I hope today, and I know today is going to be a celebration.”
“We’re going to pick up and begin to celebrate this great man and the legacy he left behind.”
‘A Great Man’
The Dubliner went on to express his admiration for Bryant and what he achieved in his prosperous career.
“The things he’s done even today, Sunday, rest day,” McGregor continued.
“We don’t do things on Sunday,”
“But the passion and the drive like he is.”
“He was on his way to his training facility, the Mamba training facility, to partake in a basketball tournament.”
“These are things that he has done for the people and for his sport and,”
“What a great man.”
“What a legacy he left behind…”
“It’s very sad news.”
“I just don’t know what to say.”
‘Phenomenal Legacy’
The sporting world is in mourning for the Lakers legend, including the MMA community, who have come out in flocks to honour Bryant.
While the news comes as a tragic shock, McGregor remained optimistic that the Grammys would put on a spectacle worthy of Bryant’s ‘phenomenal legacy’.
“I’m excited to see what the Grammys has in store,” he said.
“I know they’re going to build the energy up because this man has left a phenomenal legacy.”
The ceremony opened with a tribute to Bryant sang by Alicia Keys and Boyz II Men, before a multitude of celebrities seized the opportunity to honor the NBA hall-of-famer.
(Featured image source: Instagram/ Conor McGregor and Fox News)