CONOR MCGREGOR had to cancel a St Patrick's Day trip to America because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The UFC superstar was due to fly to the US to celebrate the Irish holiday with the Dubliner sure to have packed a case full of his Proper 12 Irish whiskey.

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But as the deadly COVID-19 bug continues to sweep the globe with over 11,500 deaths worldwide, President Donald Trump has banned all but essential travel to and from the States while prohibiting mass gatherings of more than 10 people.

McGregor told Maxim: "Americans know how to celebrate St Paddy’s Day. In Ireland, we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. In America, you guys celebrate St Paddy’s Week, and I love it.

"While I could not come to America this year because of the virus, I hope to be there next Paddy’s Day and surprise many people in different cities like I did last year."

McGregor – who won his UFC comeback in just 40 seconds against Donald Cerrone in January – is currently in self-isolation in Ireland and urged the public to take safety precautions to help knock out the virus.

He said: "Hand hygiene is key. The good habits we will have gained from this wild COVID-19 attack will see us too strong in the future.

"Everyone should stay vigilant, isolated, and safe with their families at home. People should not think for a second that it won't effect them and put their guard down.

"We are all in this together around the world and will beat this."

The killer bug has caused major sporting events to be cancelled or postponed, with the UFC axing their next three Fight Night events.

But promoter Dana White is adamant UFC 249 – originally set for April 18 in New York – WILL still go ahead, with the company frantically searching for a new venue for the fight to be staged.

The Notorious insisted the last-minute change of scenery would not have affected him as Nurmagomedov and Ferguson prepare to fight outside America and behind closed doors.

McGregor said: "Obviously, based on what’s going on in the world today, all need to stay safe and not congregate in large groups.

"We will see what Dana and the UFC decides. One thing I can tell you is that I have never backed down from fighting anyone, anywhere, and that holds true today."

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