Brett Eskildsen barely had time to let the roar sink in after scoring his first career touchdown in Dublin. Then the Iowa State receiver threw down Conor McGregor’s famous strut, pulling it off on the UFC star’s home turf. Seconds later, McGregor himself fired back online, proving he still owns every stage in Ireland, even when it belongs to college football. How often does a walk-on wideout pull off a move like that and get the king’s nod?
How Did Brett Eskildsen Get Conor McGregor’s Attention in Dublin?
McGregor responded on X with a simple message: “Honey, I’m home! ☘️.”. The UFC legend reacted after Iowa State sophomore Brett Eskildsen perfectly executed his iconic “Billionaire Strut” following a 24-yard touchdown catch during the Cyclones’ 24-21 victory over Kansas State at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium.
Honey, I’m home! ☘️ https://t.co/fgZkgJUQxG
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) August 23, 2025
That touchdown came in the third quarter, with Eskildsen catching a fade pass from Rocco Becht to push Iowa State ahead 14-7. Playing in the 2025 Aer Lingus College Football Classic set the stage for the tribute, right on McGregor’s stomping grounds in front of 47,221 fans. The timing made the celebration land even harder with everyone watching.
McGregor’s three-word reply showed he noticed the homage from a previously unknown receiver. Eskildsen, 6-foot-1 and 200 pounds from Frisco, Texas, entered the day with just two career catches for 17 yards over 13 games.
The details weren’t lost, either. Eskildsen delivered the chest-out walk with all the attitude that made McGregor famous. The swagger was spot on, drawing cheers from the end zone and plenty more on social media.
What Made Eskildsen’s Strut and Score a Breakout Moment for Iowa State?
That 24-yard touchdown ended up being the biggest catch Eskildsen had made so far, but it was the celebration that turned him into a viral name. After the game, he shared that his UFC fandom was genuine, confirming he follows the sport closely. This moment wasn’t a publicity stunt, just a real fan honoring one of his heroes.
The swagger walk may have started with WWE’s Vince McMahon, but McGregor has claimed it for good. The Cyclones needed every drop of momentum they could get, since Kansas State made it tight late, Jerand Bradley hauled in a 65-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter, cutting the lead to 24-21. Suddenly, Eskildsen’s earlier score looked massive as the game slipped into the final minutes.
Both squads entered as legit Big 12 contenders, so this Week 0 result could mean a lot for the conference race later.
Can Eskildsen’s Viral Moment Give Iowa State’s Offense a New Edge?
Eskildsen’s breakout adds depth to the Iowa State receiving room as the team tries for another Big 12 title game. The Dublin setting gave American football a natural tie-in with Irish fans, and the McGregor tribute felt right at home. Eskildsen made his first career touchdown one to remember, earning a shoutout straight from one of the biggest names in combat sports, and helping Iowa State kick off 2025 with plenty of swagger.
