MMA: Conor McGregor calls on military to help enforce Ireland's coronavirus lockdown

UFC superstar Conor McGregor has sent another rallying call to his Irish compatriots and the rest of the world.

The former featherweight and lightweight champion wants the Irish military to support the police to ensure the public complies with coronavirus measures.

On Saturday (NZ time), the Irish Government told citizens to stay at home for two weeks, unless their work was essential, or they needed to buy food or exercise, but only within 2km of their homes.

New Zealand enters day four of its month-long lockdown and already police say some are not complying with the lockdown orders in place to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, with some playing touch rugby and throwing a frisbee in parks. 

To avoid something similar in his homeland, McGregor, 31, says the police need help ensuring people stick to the rules.

"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.