Mixed martial arts superstar Conor “Notorious” McGregor, 32, of Dublin, Ireland is sponsoring the entire Irish youth team to participate in the 2021 Youth MMA Championships of the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) for athletes aged 12 to 18. The 2021 IMMAF Youth MMA Championships will take place at the EFE Marinela in Sofia, Bulgaria from July 29, 2021 to August 1, 2021.

Supporters will be able to watch the full three days of the youth competition, streamed live for the first time during those days. Viewing information is yet to be announced.

“Wishing the Irish squad the very best of luck in their quest at the world championships this year!” McGregor stated. “From the fighters to the coaches, I know the future of our fighting nation is in excellent hands. Fight with the pride of the Emerald Isle, team! We are all with you. Good luck!”

McGregor made his professional MMA debut on March 8, 2008. He has been competing in the Ultimate Fighting Championship since 2013.

McGregor is paying the entry fees and for the accommodation and flights of 27 youths and 20 coaches so that they can take part. IMMAF president Kerrith Brown praised the UFC fighter for his contribution.

“It’s fantastic for all the athletes, coaches and the Irish MMA community that Conor has shown his passion for the sport MMA in this way and is helping pave the way for the next Conor,” Brown said. “We at IMMAF are appreciative of Conor’s support of grassroots athlete development and his demonstration of support for John Kavanagh’s work in the MMA community as president of the Irish Mixed Martial Arts Association.”

“The value of this endorsement extends beyond the money in terms of the focus and sense of purpose it gives to the team,” Brown continued. “This is what IMMAF is all about, working in communities to deliver a value from MMA for social good.”

In the 2019 IMMAF Youth MMA Championships, the Irish youth team ranked sixth place in the medals table with nine medals out of a pool of 269 participants from 26 countries and a top 10 dominated largely by state sponsored national teams. The United States placed ranked first.

Mark Eddiva, 35, of Baguio City, Philippines competed in the UFC from 2015 to 2016. He trained out of Team Lakay in La Trinidad, Benguet, Philippines.

Also fighting out of Baguio City, Mark “Mugen” Striegl, 33, is the only Filipino MMA fighter currently signed with the UFC. He is a former ONE Championship fighter.