"If you do not enter the game, you cannot win it," McGregor said, in a Facebook video. "We must abide by this and I pray for the health of the country that we do so.

"We cannot go by chance here. I urge our government to utilise our defence forces.

"Our defence forces have been mentioned as a possibility in assisting our 15,000 available Gardai [police], but only if necessary. However, it is necessary.

"Any less than full adherence to these newly put-forth methods by any member of our society will not only be a mockery to what we are attempting to do, it would put the rest of our great nation in danger.

"You are doing your country an incredible deed by staying put."

The number of cases in Ireland has risen to 2121, with 22 deaths.

Since the outbreak, McGregor has been very active on social media, praising medical staff and doctors, while encouraging people to exercise.

In January, McGregor made his long-awaited return to the Octagon, beating Donald Cerrone via TKO.