The internet is a wild place. One minute you're scrolling through fight highlights, and the next, you're down a rabbit hole of tabloid speculation. It happens to the best of us. Lately, the question of whether Conor McGregor is gay has become a recurring spike in search trends, fueled by a mix of controversial social media "likes," biting comments from former rivals, and the general chaos that follows the "Notorious" one wherever he goes.
But what’s the actual reality?
If you’re looking for a simple yes or no, the facts point to a very different story than the headlines might suggest. Conor McGregor has been in a high-profile relationship with his fiancée, Dee Devlin, since 2008. They’ve been together since before he was a global superstar, back when he was collecting social welfare checks in Dublin. Together, they have four children: Conor Jr., Croía, Rían, and Mack. In early 2025, reports indicated the couple finally officially tied the knot.
Where did the rumors even start?
Rumors don't just pop up out of thin air, especially with someone as polarizing as McGregor. A lot of this talk stems from the psychological warfare that defines the fight game.
Take Paulie Malignaggi, for example. After their infamous sparring session ahead of the Mayweather fight, the relationship between Malignaggi and McGregor turned toxic. In 2020, Malignaggi went on a bit of a tear, claiming McGregor had a "weird gay fetish" for him because Conor kept bringing his name up in interviews. It was a classic "he's obsessed with me" line, but in the hyper-masculine world of boxing, it was meant as a specific kind of insult.
Then there was the 2023 Twitter incident.
Basically, eagle-eyed fans noticed that McGregor’s official account had "liked" a video containing adult gay content. The "like" was removed shortly after, but screenshot culture is forever. Was it a hack? A pocket-dial? A social media manager’s mistake? Or just Conor being Conor? He never addressed it directly, which, predictably, let the internet speculate wildly. For some, it was "proof"; for others, it was just another day in the chaotic digital life of a guy who posts and deletes more than almost any other athlete.
👉 See also: Videos of Anna Nicole Smith: What the Viral Clips Often Leave Out
The Slur Controversy and Public Perception
There is a weird irony here. While some corners of the internet speculate about his sexuality, McGregor has actually faced massive backlash for using homophobic language.
In 2017, he was caught on camera at a UFC event in Gdansk using a homophobic slur to describe Andre Fili, the man who had just beaten his teammate Artem Lobov. The fallout was immediate. LGBT groups like LEAP Sports Scotland and Knockout Glasgow condemned the language, pointing out that using such terms to imply weakness is incredibly damaging.
McGregor eventually offered a sort of apology. He told the media, "I meant no disrespect to no one of any... you know, that community." He claimed he wasn't thinking about the literal meaning of the word and was just frustrated for his friend.
It’s a strange contradiction. You have people asking if he's gay on one hand, while on the other, he’s being criticized for language that is actively hostile toward that same community.
Support for Equality
To make things even more complex, McGregor was a vocal supporter of marriage equality in Ireland. Back in 2015, when Ireland held its historic referendum, Conor didn't stay on the sidelines.
He tweeted out to his millions of followers: "Myself and my team are urging everyone to please VOTE YES TO EQUALITY! Every human deserves equal rights #WeAreAllOne."
He later told FOX Sports that his coach, John Kavanagh, had talked to him about the issue. He said it felt like a "no-brainer" because at the end of the day, we’re all human beings regardless of sexuality. This wasn't just a PR stunt; it was a significant move for an MMA fighter in a sport that isn't always known for being the most progressive.
Dealing with the Noise
Honestly, the obsession with McGregor’s personal life usually says more about the public than it does about him. He is a man who thrives on attention—good, bad, or weird.
His legal troubles are real and documented. In November 2024, a civil jury in Dublin found him liable for the sexual assault of Nikita Hand in a 2018 incident, ordering him to pay significant damages. These are the heavy, factual headlines that define his legacy right now.
Speculating about a celebrity's "hidden" life is a national pastime, but when you look at the evidence:
- He has a long-term female partner and four kids.
- He has used homophobic slurs in anger.
- He has campaigned for gay marriage rights.
- He has had some "clumsy" social media moments.
It's a messy, loud, and often contradictory life. Most experts in celebrity branding suggest that McGregor uses "noise" to stay relevant, even when he isn't fighting. Whether it's a "liked" tweet or a yacht photo, it keeps people talking.
If you're trying to separate the facts from the "he said, she said," the most accurate takeaway is that McGregor's public identity is built on being a family man who happens to be a lightning rod for controversy. There is no credible evidence to suggest he is gay; there is only a long trail of social media breadcrumbs and trash-talk from rivals that people have pieced together into a narrative.
👉 See also: Did Prince Philip Have Cancer? What Really Happened With the Duke's Health
Actionable Insights for Fans and Readers
When navigating celebrity rumors like these, keep these three things in mind:
- Check the Source: Was the claim made by a rival fighter (like Malignaggi) trying to get a reaction? If so, take it with a massive grain of salt.
- Look at the Record: McGregor’s public support for marriage equality is a matter of record, as is his long-term relationship with Dee Devlin.
- Distinguish Between "Likes" and Life: Social media activity is often accidental or managed by third parties. It rarely serves as a definitive "coming out" or statement of fact in the way a formal interview does.
Stick to the verified reports—like the Irish High Court rulings or official fight announcements—if you want to know what’s actually happening in the life of the Notorious one.