Updated at 15.10
CONOR MCGREGOR HAD reportedly been earmarked — but not confirmed — for the UFC’s end-of-year show in Las Vegas on 30 December.
But the Dubliner’s bizarre intervention at a Bellator event at the 3 Arena on Friday night means he’s lost his place on the card, according to Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports.
Mike Mazzulli, who was ringside on Friday night in Dublin’s docklands, says he has spoken to several UFC officials about the incident.
McGregor, illegally charged in to the octogan after his SBG teammate Charlie Ward defeated John Redmond before clashing with the referee Marc Goddard as well as security staff.
The UFC will be keen to, at least, be seen to take some action against the Irish fighter, though not appearing on a UFC 219 card will not go far enough for many observers of mixed martial arts.
“Mr McGregor is not bigger than MMA. We all know that,” Mazzulli said on Ariel Helwani’s MMA Hour yesterday.
“Mr McGregor may not be around in five years, but MMA will still be here. I think that’s very important to understand that fighter safety is the most important thing in the world because without fighter safety, this sport would not proceed to the next level like it always has.
“After the event, I had some executives from UFC contact me within two hours after what occurred. And they basically said to me that it was completely unacceptable in their eyes and that they will be doing something. They did inform me that he was set to be on the 30 December card and he will not be on it. So I do commend UFC to some extent for doing that.”
“Now on the other hand I will be speaking to my attorneys on my return.”
Mazzulli continued: “I’m never comfortable when someone takes it upon themselves to act like a five-year-old and jump in the cage. The bottom line is he was unprofessional, disrespectful and it was not acceptable in my eyes.”
It remains to be seen what actual punishment the UFC will actually take with their brightest star.
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Firmino should be in the team of the year never mind alternative team. Been brilliant for Liverpool and I’m by no means a Liverpool fan
@Mel Roberts: Definilty, he’s been fantastic.
Lascelles from Newcastle has been outstanding all season. Would have him in at the back. As has Mee from Burnley.
@David OfBrien: They should do an Alternative Alternative Team of the Season.
@Alan J. McKenna: or maybe look outside of the top 6 clubs for a change. Tarkowski and vardy are the only players selected from clubs outside of the top 6.
@David OfBrien: The best players tend to come from the clubs that, you know, perform the best in the season. And you tend to find those at the top of the table. Sorry if that sounds radical.
@Alan J. McKenna: Not radical, just not very intelligent or well thought out.
Many players have performed outstandingly over the season with teams not at the top level, making their performances even better, compared with the likes of Otamemdi for example.
The top teams might have the best players, but it’s a competition for the players who’ve played the best over the season, and those should be considered.
Nice try though.
@James SonofLochlann: took the words right out of my mouth.
Andy Robertson every day of the week, most improved player and what a bargain!
Valencia in for azpilicueta without any question !
Even though Chelsea had a poor season Kante is better than Matic
No Andy Robertson, Again. Underrated obviously.
Ederson? And your reasoning being nothing to do with conventional goalkeeping.
Easy to look good in terms of clean sheets and goals conceded when your team averages like 75% possession and you face barely any shots. De Gea or Pope have clearly been the best in the league.
@Brian: Pope is great with crosses, in fairness…
Lascelles over Sanchez, bit of a donkey if I’m honest. Not very reassuring at the back.
Agree with the team overall but feel like Kante or Shane Duffy are also some good shouts