Late last night the UFC announced that Conor McGregor has been pulled from his UFC 200 headline fight with Nate Diaz.
On ESPN's Sportscenter, Dana White cited McGregor's refusal to participate in a Las Vegas promotional event as the reason.
Given that UFC 200 was set to be the promotion's biggest ever event in terms of pay-per-view numbers and McGregor was the biggest draw, it's tough to fully believe White - the rationale appears lean.
Earlier in the evening, the Dubliner had teased his retirement with a tweet saying he was 'retiring young'. This was followed by a tweet from his coach John Kavanagh, 'Well was fun while it lasted'.
There are long been rumours of unrest between McGregor and the UFC.
Here's how the MMA world reacted to the news.
#McGregor Update 1/2: Conor confirmed to my source (see earlier tweet) a couple of hours ago that he's retired
— Jonas Hen Shrag (@JonathanShrager) April 20, 2016
#McGregor Update 2/2: Conor informed my source that the promo tour was unrealistic; not just the presser, it was more like a mini world tour
— Jonas Hen Shrag (@JonathanShrager) April 20, 2016
McGregor is not going to stay retired. Probably needs a break, New York might be enough to force a return. Too much money to be made.
— Peter Carroll (@PetesyCarroll) April 20, 2016
— Coach Kavanagh (@John_Kavanagh) April 20, 2016
Interesting day to say the least. Just finished dinner with friends and family.@TheNotoriousMMA @peterqueally pic.twitter.com/Zxm63i1Lxc
— Haraldur Dean Nelson (@HalliNelson) April 20, 2016
Just like that my demands have gone up I want 30 Euro Diesel money a week or I'm out of here
— Neil 2 Tap Seery (@NeilSeeryMMA) April 20, 2016
@DannStupp EXACTLY! Press conferences are out dated. Social media generates enough buzz. Especially with CMc following.
— Brendan Schaub (@BrendanSchaub) April 20, 2016
Dear Dana,
I'm pretty open July 9th. Have this thing June 18th in Canada. But after that I'm Game the Fuck ON!!!— Cowboy Cerrone (@Cowboycerrone) April 20, 2016
I remember it like it was yesterday when Conor, Rousey and Sage could do no wrong. My oh my how things have changed. WOW
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) April 20, 2016
Funny to look back on Dana White's mention of pulling Nick Diaz at UFC 137 for missing press conference, Diaz ended up headlining that card.
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) April 19, 2016
This raises interesting Qs: Does fighter have obligation to promote their fight? If so, how much? What if the fighter has done UFC favors?
— Luke Thomas (@lthomasnews) April 20, 2016
I'm sure all the Irish people who have booked flights to Las Vegas are happy the presser rules were strictly adhered to.
— Seán Sheehan (@SeanSheehanBA) April 20, 2016
I wonder what's the likelihood now that Aldo vs. Edgar isn't for an interim title after all?
— Seán Sheehan (@SeanSheehanBA) April 20, 2016
If Conor is really out I'm sure me and Lawler could put on an epic war for you guys... Jus sayin
— Matt Brown (@IamTheImmortal) April 20, 2016
There's no way what Dana White said is true. That's too petty a reason to punt your biggest star off the biggest PPV you want to run.
— Mookie Alexander (@mookiealexander) April 20, 2016
Yeah, it's almost as if the real UFC 200 main event is McGregor vs UFC. Round 2 to come? https://t.co/ZmftBVeQ0f
— Jeff Wagenheim (@jeffwagenheim) April 19, 2016
Worth noting in the UFC's statement on McGregor: they didn't acknowledge his "retirement" instead saying they pulled him from the event.
— John S. Nash (@heynottheface) April 20, 2016
For what it's worth: McGregor being pulled from UFC 200 marks the 13th main or co-main event change to the UFC calendar so far in 2016.
— Mike Bohn (@MikeBohn) April 20, 2016
Just walked inside @TMobileArena. It's a really nice place, @TheNotoriousMMA. #JustSaying pic.twitter.com/M7i7xXpfCM
— John Morgan (@JohnMorgan_MMA) April 20, 2016
