UFC Releases Statement About Pulling Conor McGregor from UFC 200

On Tuesday, a Tweet from UFC featherweight champion Conor McGregor sent the mixed martial arts community into a frenzy.

“I have decided to retire young. Thanks for the cheese. Catch ya’s later,” the Irishman tweeted.

I have decided to retire young.
Thanks for the cheese.
Catch ya’s later.

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) April 19, 2016

Speculation and confusion quickly followed. What was thought to initially be a hoax, or a troll job, turned out to be reality. McGregor was pulled from the UFC 200 main event shortly there after by the fight promotion.

The Las Vegas-based promotion president appeared on ESPN to explain why McGregor was removed from the fight card, and the organization released an official statement about the development.

“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 July 9.

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“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,” read the press release.

The organization is frantically working to make a new main event for the fight card that already features two world title fights.

“The UFC is currently working on a new main event for the card, which will take place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Other bouts currently set for the event include two title fights, with Jose Aldo and Frankie Edgar battling for the interim featherweight title, and Miesha Tate defending her UFC women’s bantamweight crown against Amanda Nunes,” the statement read.

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