Miami Heat mascot Bernie, who was once knocked out by a two-division UFC champion, could be back for Game 6 of the NBA Finals.

The Heat dropped their last home game of the 2022-23 NBA Finals against the Denver Nuggets, 95-108, to fall to 1-3 in the series.

It wasn’t just a loss. Midway through the game, Miami’s mascot, Bernie, was knocked out. He was knocked down by two punches from former UFC featherweight and lightweight champion Conor McGregor, who was watching Game 4.

He was knocked down by McGregor’s first punch, and then McGregor followed up with a second punch to confirm the knockout, which was highly controversial locally. Bernie ended up in the emergency room, where he was prescribed painkillers and is now reportedly resting at home.

Ahead of Game 5 of the Finals, Miami head coach Erik Spoelstra addressed Bernie. In his official pregame interview, Spoelstra confirmed that Bernie would be back if Miami wins Game 5 and returns home for Game 6.

Spoelstra said, “It’s a sign of Miami’s toughness. We’re not going to reveal who Bernie is. But we do know that he’s tough enough to clench his fist and get back up. He’s not going to miss a beat,” he laughed.

Of course, if Miami loses Game 5 of the Finals in Denver, it will be another runner-up finish with a series record of 1-4. That would also derail Bernie’s comeback.메이저사이트

Meanwhile, McGregor is currently appearing on TUF Season 31 as a coach alongside Michael Chandler. If tradition holds true, McGregor and Chandler will face off after TUF ends. The odds are in favor of a December showdown in Las Vegas.