Conor McGregor reacts to Penn State hockey’s Gavin McKenna using his celebration
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- McKenna used McGregor’s “Billionaire Strut” after a power-play goal.
- McGregor praised McKenna on X after the celebration.
- McKenna faces simple assault and related summary charges; hearing March 11.
Penn State hockey star Gavin McKenna told reporters he’s wanted to use the trademark celebration of former UFC champ Conor McGregor for more than a week. But, first, he needed to clear the idea with his parents — and then score a goal.
He didn’t mention clearing it with McGregor. But the mixed martial artist didn’t seem to mind.
A day after McKenna launched into the “Billionaire Strut,” an exaggerated walk with his arms flailing wildly, McGregor took to social media to offer his unofficial seal of approval. “This kid is the MAC!” McGregor wrote on X.
McGregor, who counts “Mystic Mac” as a nickname, knows greatness. The Irish southpaw — who’s also been accused of a number of assaults outside the Octagon — became the first fighter to simultaneously hold UFC championships in two weight classes. He’s pushing to compete on this summer’s UFC White House card, and his net worth is widely estimated to be north of $200 million.
McKenna, at the age of 17, became the third-youngest player to win CHL Player of the Year. And the Penn State freshman, now 18, is widely projected as this year’s No. 1 overall NHL draft pick.
He is also facing simple assault charges after allegedly punching and breaking the jaw of a man who, according to a source with knowledge of McKenna’s perspective, was accused of accosting his mother. McKenna’s celebration — which drew a “no comment” from head coach Guy Gadowsky — appeared to allude to the incident since McGregor is known for combat sports. He is not facing suspension as the misdemeanor charge plays out in the courts.
McKenna did not directly address his reason for using that specific celebration. But after a record-setting night that saw him tally seven assists and one goal in an 11-4 win over Ohio State, he alluded to the charges.
“I was just having fun out there. A lot of stuff going on in my life right now,” he said. “... I called my parents last night and said if I score I’m doing it. And they had a good laugh. The opportunity came so I did it.”
The “Billionaire Strut” came early in the game, immediately after McKenna scored on a power play to give the Nittany Lions a 2-0 lead.
McKenna’s preliminary hearing for the simple assault charge, along with summary charges of harassment and disorderly conduct, is scheduled for March 11, the same day as the start of the Big Ten tournament. It’s not yet known how his playing status might be impacted.
