UFC 200 Fight News: Dana White Clarifies McGregor Situation 'Not About Money', Denies Irishman Is A 'Diva'
The entire mixed martial arts world was caught by surprise upon both announcements that UFC featherweight champion Conor McGregor is now retired, and that he no longer will be part of UFC 200.
Both events transpired on Tuesday, April 20th, when "The Notorious" posted a tweet stating he has "decided to retire young."
For their part, the UFC then went on to confirm that the brash Irishman has been pulled off his main event rematch against Nate Diaz.
Many speculations arose, with regards to McGregor's retirement announcement. In a tweet posted by journalist Charly Arnolt, McGregor supposedly demanded for $10 million for UFC 200, but since the UFC rejected the proposition, the 28-year old fighter went on to 'retire'.
Former UFC veteran Chael Sonnen also believes it is merely a "contract dispute" between the company and McGregor, noting how the latter may be using his leverage over the UFC as its biggest draw to his advantage.
White, however, disproved all claims about the money issue.
Appearing on FOX Sports' "The Herd" on Wednesday, the UFC president reiterated that it was really about McGregor's refusal to participate in the pre-fight media obligations.
"Conor basically said he didn't want to come to Vegas," White said. "Tour was Vegas, Stockton, and New York. He said he didn't want to do it."
"You can't make everyone happy. One thing no one is exempt from is promoting their fights," he continued. "Conor wasn't planning on delivering this weekend and I had to pull him. It's what had to be done."
White, however, maintained that his personal relationship with McGregor has not been damaged in anyway. In his conversation with TMZ, White was asked if McGregor was a "diva" of a fighter", and this was his response.
"When you're a fighter and you believe that you're the best in the world, you're a diva if you don't step up and take fights," White said, lauding McGregor for taking on all opponents that were put in front of him. "That's when you're a diva."
