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As George Floyd’s death has led to protests, looting, vandalism and general unrest across the United States, a number of prominent athletes in the MMA community have weighed in on the situation.
Former UFC two-division champion Conor McGregor was the latest to offer his thoughts, as he called for compassion and understanding during a difficult time.
“There is no place for injustice, racism and intolerance in this world! We must really listen and learn from those in pain,” McGregor wrote on Instagram.
“Be the example of the change you want to see!! Praying, hoping, and believing everyday that this is all a part of the Lord’s plan to lead us to a better and brighter future ahead. God speed everyone.”
More than 5,000 protesters marched in McGregor’s native Dublin on Monday while carrying signs and chanting “black lives matter.”
Floyd, who was black, died last week after Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin placed his knee on the man’s neck to restrain him for nearly nine minutes during an arrest. Chauvin, who is white, was later arrested charged with third-degree murder in Floyd’s death. Since video of the incident went viral, violence has escalated in many parts of the United States between law enforcement and protestors.
In the period marked of great racial tension, President Donald Trump has declared himself “your president of law and order” and has threatened to deploy military to cities that aren’t taking the “actions necessary to defend the life and property of their residents.”
Other MMA fighters have taken more active approaches during the protests including Jon Jones, who confronted vandals in Albuquerque, New Mexico and has helped local businesses with repairs in the city. Meanwhile, former UFC light heavyweight champion Chuck Liddell stepped in to halt violence in California, and current middleweight champion Israel Adesanya spoke passionately at a Black Lives Matter rally in Auckland, New Zealand.