Conor McGregor reveals Hollywood regret, says he made enemies

28 February 2024

Conor McGregor, the Irish UFC sensation, is gearing up for his silver screen debut alongside Jake Gyllenhaal in the upcoming remake of the cult classic film "Road House." However, amidst the excitement of his acting debut, McGregor confesses to feeling apprehensive about potential repercussions in Hollywood due to past refusals of acting roles.

Set to premiere exclusively on Amazon Prime Video on March 21, the film casts McGregor as the antagonist Knox, facing off against Gyllenhaal's character, ex-UFC fighter Dalton, who becomes a bouncer at a roadhouse in the Florida Keys.

In an interview with Total Film, McGregor revealed his concerns about burning bridges in the industry by rejecting previous acting opportunities. "I had turned down a good few roles in my time on the climb," McGregor admitted. "I've had directors show up at fight camp... And over and over, they'd come to me, and I always turned them down."

Reflecting on his decision to finally embrace acting following a leg injury sustained in a bout with Dustin Poirier in July 2021, McGregor expressed gratitude for the experience. "I was just in awe of it all... I didn't know whether I was going to like it, to be honest," McGregor said. "I'm a fighting man... I'm not an actor, but I'm show business. That was my vibe to it. I felt that. I enjoyed every second of it."

Despite his newfound passion for acting, McGregor had initially hoped to return to the Octagon before the release of the "Road House" remake. However, with nearly three years of inactivity, McGregor's anticipated comeback against Michael Chandler is expected to take place in 2024, potentially at a weight class 40lbs heavier than his UFC debut.

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As McGregor prepares for both his cinematic and athletic ventures, the shadow of past decisions looms large, leaving the UFC star grappling with the consequences of turning down Hollywood opportunities in the past.