Conor McGregor hasn't retired.

[Dinkydoo]

My take on the whole situation: McGregor is trying to prove that he can stir up a media frenzy and promote the fight without having to even be there. So he is technically doing what he's being asked, but in his own way (which is contractually, pretty risky).

I went from really disliking McGregor to actually changing my opinion on him. I conceed that i think i got caught up in the showbusiness of it all in the lead up to the Aldo fight - and I'm not prepared to stubbornly defend my position now that he's grown on me just in an attempt to save face.

I agree with Cormier in that I'm not sure Conor can beat Diaz, not at UFC 200, not without a flash ko/tko. Diaz has more diverse mma skills, and a weight and reach advantage. It's going to take more than a few months to overcome that if he's playing the long game and not looking to exploit a weakness and get the ko. Considering that Nate only had what, 12 days notice last time and was reportedly drinking beer and partying on a beach days before the announcement that RDA was injured, I'm not sure taking this fight at 200 is a good idea anyway. Lose again and he's going to look a bit silly and that, I think, will be the end of his matchups at this weight for a while.

McGregor can win it, but he's going to have to fight smarter than he did last time. A brawl is absolutely not what he should want (although I'd love to see another exciting fight like the last!)

 

[jks9199]

Ever since the fight game became entertainment, there's been a balance between a fighter's need to train and the need to promote and advertise the fights. It used to be fairly common for boxers to set up a training camp in a remote location as the fight neared so as to minimize the disruption and allow the fighter to focus. Now, whether boxing or MMA, you're seeing a lot more of the final training being done in very public venues with lots of flash... I'm not highly impressed with Dana White as a person based solely on how he appears to run the UFC because he clearly cares about maximizing his profit, not the fighters or even who'll put the best "show" on... he just wants the fighters that'll line up his biggest payday. I think he has manipulated the UFC's rankings by controlling very tightly who fights who when... which is, of course, a promoter's job. And he is, above all, a fight promoter. I wouldn't be shocked to see this all be a staged show to stir up attention and coverage -- whether a backfiring plan by McGregor or one where they're both in on the game. Honestly, if McGregor does fight -- that'll weigh heavily, in my opinion, on the "in cahoots" side of things...

 

[Steve]

Commentary: Another local champ deserves more love

Conor is a shameless self promoter. I still think Demetrius Johnson is far more technical and a much better example of a professional. Article from a local news affiliate, and I couldn't agree more.

 

[Brian R. VanCise]

Demetrius Johnson aka mighty mouse is totally a great professional and a good role model to this point!

 

[Andrew Green]

I don't think there is a big conspiracy here... Connor is trying to play the fans to force the UFC to do what he wants.

It's also not the first time Connor announced a fight that wasn't happening: Dana White says 'No' to Conor McGregor vs. Diego Sanchez at UFC 180

 

[Tez3]

Paddy posted this yesterday, it's dreadful shame and I really do feel for him.

"I've known this announcement was coming for a week or more now and it has only felt worse the more I have thought about it.

I am forced to retire from MMA.

I was born with a factor missing in my blood called Factor XIII. I never disclosed it then or now, it came to the UFC's attention from a third party and I can no longer pass the medical requirements to compete, only 1 in 5 million people are diagnosed so I knew that it was so rare, organisations wouldn't understand or ta...ke the chance with me as I have found out now, I never explained in full to John or my team the actual risks cause I didn't think there was excess risk .

It is a disorder that is only dangerous for me not my opponents.

I really did see MMA as the way to have a real shot at life for myself and my family and it turns out I was right.

I have mixed emotions about it:

• Proud because I always wore my heart on my sleeve, stood my ground, never cheated, never turned away from diversity or challenges and always strived to inspire and encourage people from all backgrounds.

• Sad because I will never make that walk again, under those lights, feeling all those uncomfortable yet life giving feelings as they count and you hear "walk walk walk" staring into a camera, knowing millions are watching but most importantly the Irish are watching.

I am also disappointed because people who have cheated within the sport due to PEDs etc putting their opponents in extra danger will fight again, whereas for me it's a genetic 1 in 5 million disorder that stops me dead in my tracks.

I really feel I was only turning the corner in my fight career and I still have so much more to give!

Thanks to all of my team over the past 9 years at SBG. My coach John who backed me regardless when I had nothing but effort to offer him in payment, it's been an incredible journey for this council kid!

To all the Irish people and people of my home town of Tallaght who have always caught my falls and helped me back to my feet, I am forever grateful to those people who have backed me through thick and thin.

This journey has made me the man I am today."

Paddy "The Hooligan" Holohan.

 

[elder999]

I think this is all a connived promotion by Connor McGregor and the UFC. Meaning that they are in cahoots about this to build up the fight.

Indeed....we've now seen "the art of promoting without promoting."

McGregor back on UFC 200 bill

 

[Andrew Green]

Indeed....we've now seen "the art of promoting without promoting."

McGregor back on UFC 200 bill

It failed, Dana White already shot this down saying UFC has not even spoken to Connor or his management. Nate Diaz announced he's going on vacation, and the UFC is apparently holding a press conference to announce the new main event.

Connor bluffed, but doing that against guys that own Casinos is a bad idea...