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Bellator 187 UFC lightweight champion Conor McGregor did something very dumb.
During the main card McGregor’s SBG Ireland teammate Charlie Ward knocked out
John Redmond. McGregor started climbing the cage before the fight was even
officially over and shoved referee Marc Goddard when he tried to get McGregor
out of the cage. Once he was removed from the cage he reentered it and slapped a
Bellator staff member. Association of Boxing Commissions President Mike Mazzulli
has been told that McGregor will be punished by UFC and claimed he was removed
from the UFC 219 card but UFC never booked him on that card. McGregor released
the following statement on his Instagram account: “I sincerely apologize for my
behavior at last weekends fight event in Dublin. While trying to support a loyal
teammate and friend, I let my emotions get the best of me and acted out of line.
As a multiple weight UFC champion, executive producer, role model and public
figure, I must hold myself to a higher standard. The referee Marc Goddard was
making a horrendous decision in trying to pick an unconscious fighter up off the
floor and force the fight to continue into the second round. Even against the
wishes of the said fighters coach. The fight was over. After witnessing my
fighter in a fight where the worst happened and the opponent passed away from
his injuries on the night, I thought the worst was about to happen again, and I
lost it and over reacted. I am sorry to everyone. I sincerely apologize to the
Director of the Mohegan Tribe Department of Athletic Regulation, Mike Mazzulli,
all the officials and staff working the event, Andy Ryan and his fighter John,
two staunch ones that put up a great fight every time. That side will always
have my respect, and lastly every one of my fans. I love you all! I’ve always
learned from my mistakes and this will be no different.” McGregor has no fights
set for the future but his coach says that McGregor is more likely to fight Tony
Ferguson than Nate Diaz for the third time. |
