Unpacking The Conor McGregor Fallout: UFC Issues Statement, Dana White Speaks, Fighters React

Honestly, I don’t even know where to begin here. The fallout from Conor McGregor and crew’s criminal actions at the Barclays Center on Thursday afternoon is immense.

We’ve already heard from Khabib Nurmagomedov, one of the main targets of McGregor’s wrath, and we know that UFC fighter Ray Borg withdrew from his fight at UFC 223 after shattered glass got into his eye.

So here’s what has transpired in the hours since. It’s a lot to unpack.

Conor McGregor and his teammate Cian Cowley were arrested. McGregor was charged with three counts of assault and one count of criminal mischief. Cowley was charged with one count of assault and one count of criminal mischief.

Artem Lobov, a McGregor teammate and one of those involved in the fracas, was pulled from his fight with Alex Caceres at UFC 223.

The Michael Chiesa vs. Anthony Pettis fight at UFC 223 has also been canceled thanks to the multiple cuts Chiesa suffered during the McGregor attack.

https://twitter.com/SecretMovesMMA/status/981988629886259200

UFC issued a statement strongly condemning Conor McGregor and his crew’s actions.

During today’s media event at Barclays Center to promote UFC 223: Khabib vs. Holloway, Conor McGregor and Artem Lobov entered the building accompanied by over a dozen individuals.

The group, which included McGregor and Lobov, vandalized the vehicle that contained a number of athletes competing at the event taking place this weekend. NYPD was immediately alerted and is currently in the process of investigating the situation. UFC is working very closely with the New York Athletic Commission, Barclays Center security and law enforcement authorities. All parties are working together to ensure the highest standard of proper safety precautions are implemented to protect the fans and athletes.

The organization deems today’s disruption completely unacceptable and is currently working on the consequences that will follow. Immediately, Lobov has been removed from this weekend’s card and individuals involved in the incident are not welcome at tomorrow’s ceremonial weigh-in or Saturday’s event at Barclays Center.

The New York State Athletic Commission also issued a statement.

The incident that occurred today at the Barclay’s Center was unacceptable and has no place in New York State sports.

Multiple published reports, including photos and video, evidently show Mr. McGregor and members of his entourage engaged in destructive, abhorrent and illegal behavior and endangered the safety of those around them. It is our understanding that local law enforcement is involved and is actively responding to the matter.

At least one fighter scheduled to fight on Saturday was purportedly injured in the incident. Medical staff will assess any injured fighters to determine whether they are fit to compete as scheduled.

The Commission has commenced a dialogue with the UFC and Barclay’s Center management in response to the incident. All parties are working together to ensure that appropriate protocols are in place for the protection of the fighters and the fans at UFC 223 and at tomorrow’s weigh-in. The Commission is also conferring with the associated security staffs to ensure that heightened safeguards are implemented prior to the weigh-in and the event.

Mr. McGregor is not licensed by the New York State Athletic Commission.

UFC President Dana White appeared on the First Things First show and revealed that he had been in contact with McGregor.

“We didn’t have a good conversation yesterday, and it wasn’t really about the situation,: said White. “He felt that my interview on ESPN yesterday – and with MMA Junkie – he wasn’t happy with some of the things that I said.”

White also revealed that McGregor did say he felt bad about how his actions affected Rose Namajunas and Michael Chiesa.

Numerous fighters have shared their reactions to McGregor’s actions at the Barlcays Center, none of them good, except for of course, Nate Diaz who in a complete turnaround went after Nurmagomedov more than McGregor…

H/T MMA Fighting

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