McGregor removal makes CNN
CNN correspondent Tim Hume noted that at Saturday’s UFC 200 press conference, White said McGregor was given “every opportunity in the world” to fight Nate Diaz on July 9.
The removal of UFC featherweight champion Conor McGregor from UFC 200 has made CNN.
Correspondent Tim Hume noted that at Saturday’s UFC 200 press conference, White said McGregor was given “every opportunity in the world” to fight Nate Diaz on July 9, on what is widely expected to be the biggest card in the sport’s history.
“It’s the one thing that you have to do,” said White of media duties. “Anybody who has fought for the UFC over the last 16 years knows that we try to give as much leeway as we can on things.
“But you have to show up to promote the fight. You have to show up for the press conferences and shoot the commercials.”
White added that the UFC has been criticized “for bending too much for Conor — and we do.”
“Conor is a guy who has stepped up and fought in big fights at short notice, and I respect Conor very much as a fighter, and I like him, but you have to show up and do this stuff.”
White was asked who Diaz was going to fight, and replied only that “we’re going to figure that out.”
For his part, Diaz remained focused on the original match up.
“I came to fight Conor McGregor,” said Diaz. “And I don’t really have too much interest in anybody else.”
The ironic reality of the situation is that McGregor was removed for not fulfilling his media duties, but in his refusal, the fighter got the fight far more media coverage than his attendance would have. In this sense, he came through, once again, brilliantly. It would be very tremendous for the fans, for Nate Diaz, and for Conor McGregor, if the UFC brought the fight back.
Please.