Former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor is taking the internet by storm for lauding inspirational youth Ian O’Connell in a video that is now making its way around the mixed martial arts community.
At just 16-years-old, O’Connell was paralyzed from the neck down after having fallen off of his bike. Speaking on The Late Late Show, O’Connell offered an inspirational message.
“I said to myself ‘Ian, there’s not much you can do here.” He said. “Crying isn’t going to make me stand up and run around the place again.’ I always say to myself if you can’t stand up, stand out.”
Conor McGregor then crossed paths with O’Connell at the recent BAMMA 35 event, offering O’Connell a few kind words for his inspirational speech. Check it out within the video above.
“Notorious” later took to Instagram to share his thoughts on the experience. Check it out below:
“Watching the Late Late show last night and on comes this young man @ianoconnell321! I was blown away by him and his attitude to life and in facing adversity!
Truly blown away! Then tonight, by complete chance, I bumped into him at an event and end up getting to watch the main event fight ringside with him! What a night! Thank you Ian it was great to meet you my brother, you are some man! Your quote literally blew me away! “If you can’t stand up, STAND OUT!” What a legend! I think I speak for every Irish man and woman that watched you on the Late Late show last night by saying you are a true inspiration to us!
Thank you brother”
