Updated 06.55
CONOR MCGREGOR HAS been pulled from his upcoming rematch against Nate Diaz after he refused to participate in any promotional activities for the UFC 200 main event.
UFC President Dana White confirmed the row between the organisation and one of its biggest stars on Tuesday night after a chaotic turn of events which saw McGregor apparently announce his early retirement with a single tweet.
“I have decided to retire young,” he wrote. “Thanks for the cheese. Catch ya’s (sic) later.”
McGregor’s message sparked furious speculation as MMA fans tried to work out if he was sincere or if the shock move was a hoax.
The Dubliner’s rematch with Diaz was due to headline the landmark UFC 200 card in Las Vegas on 9 July, but UFC bosses confirmed that he has been pulled from the card.
“UFC President Dana White announced Tuesday that UFC featherweight champion Conor McGregor has been pulled from his UFC 200 main event against Nate Diaz on 9 July,” a statement read.
White revealed that the decision was made by the promotion after McGregor informed UFC officials that he would not participate in any promotional activities, including a commercial shoot and press conferences.
“The UFC is currently working on a new main event for the card, which will take place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.”
Speaking on ESPN Sportscenter last night, Dana White said that the UFC was left with no option if McGregor would not work to promote the fight.
“You have to do the press conference, so Conor put out that tweet,” White said, as per this report by Yahoo’s Kevin Iole.
Is Conor McGregor retiring? Only he could answer that question.
White added: “Obviously, we still have a good relationship with Conor.
“I respect Conor as a fighter and I like him as a person, [but] you can’t decide not to show up to these things.”
More to follow…
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