Conor McGregor has gone on the offensive in his dispute with the UFC, insisting that he wants to fight but is demoralised by the constant promotion demanded of him.
In a statement on Facebook he said: “I am paid to fight. I am not yet paid to promote.
“I have become lost in the game of promotion and forgot about the art of fighting.
“There comes a time when you need to stop handing out flyers and get back to the damn shop.”
McGregor threw the MMA world into turmoil when he announced his retirement on Twitter on Tuesday night.
I have decided to retire young.
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) April 19, 2016
Thanks for the cheese.
Catch ya's later.
This was despite being expected to headline UFC 200 in Las Vegas in July.
In the long statement McGregor appears to suggest that the UFC should concentrate on promoting the other fighters and leave him to prepare for his rematch with Nate Diaz.
“Keep that 10 mill to promote the other bums that need it. My shows are good,” he wrote. “I must isolate myself now.
“I am facing a taller, longer and heavier man. I need to prepare correctly this time.
“I can not dance for you this time.
“It is time for the other monkeys to dance. I’ve danced us all the way here.”
UFC boss Dana White initially seemed to be leaving the door open for McGregor to change his mind but last night hardened his stance saying that the Irish fighter would not be part of the July event.
He also said that retirement would mean Mcgregor would be stripped of his UFC Featherweight crown – but McGregor insists that he is not in fact retired.
“For the record also – For USADA and for the UFC and my contract stipulations. I AM NOT RETIRED.”
Looks like the ball is back in the UFC court.
