UFC fighter Conor McGregor and Game of Thrones actor Liam Cunningham traded verbal blows on X (formerly Twitter) after Israel seized the Gaza-bound aid boat Madleen. The vessel, carrying 12 people including activist Greta Thunberg, was intercepted by Israeli forces as it attempted to deliver humanitarian supplies such as crutches and baby formula to Gaza.
Cunningham, who has been active with the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, condemned the seizure, tweeting: “The Freedom flotilla was attacked during the night. The ship was rammed, boarded, and the 12 volunteers kidnapped. This is more reprehensible behavior from the genocidal regime in Tel Aviv.”
McGregor, never one to shy away from controversy, responded with a jab: “I thought you were on this boat Liamo, what happened? You forgot your goggles? You get seasick off the gargle? Bottler.”
Cunningham fired back with a knockout retort: “Didn’t know you could read and write, Conor. Thought you used your hands to tap out.” The exchange quickly went viral, with many social media users declaring “Sir Davos” the winner of the online bout. McGregor has since deleted his tweets.
The spat unfolded as the Madleen’s seizure drew international attention, with the Israeli government calling the flotilla a publicity stunt and activists highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The incident has reignited debate over the blockade and the tactics used to enforce it. At the same time, the Cunningham-McGregor exchange added a dose of Irish wit to a serious global issue.
