Rules? What rules?
Conor McGregor put on a big show at the UFC 264 press conference on Thursday, kicking opponent Dustin Poirier during their pre-fight staredown. And according to the promotion’s new policy on face offs (read it here), “Notorious” should be fined, suspended, and pulled from the card.
Don’t hold your breath.
The promotion is trying to avoid incidents like the one that involved Jeremy Stephens. “Lil’ Heathen” two-handed Drakkar Klose during their post-weighin staredown ahead of UFC Vegas 24 last April, which resulted in a whiplash and concussion, as well as the cancellation of their fight.
That said, McGregor is the biggest star in UFC and makes a boatload of money for all parties involved. Benching “Notorious” because he made premature contact with “The Diamond” would be a financial disaster. Sorry, but UFC 264: “Burns vs. Thompson” just ain’t gonna cut it.
“Conor works very well with us. We’ve worked very well with him. There are obviously certain things you have to deal with, with a Conor McGregor,” White previously told ESPN’s Get Up. “He’s worth it.”
Hey, where’s your bus?
Fighters are going to get charged up during staredowns and some, like Stephens, are going to cross the line from time-to-time. It’s time to put that blanket policy back in the closet and handle these infrequent incidents on a case-by-case basis. It will help Sean Shelby sleep better at night!
Sadly, it’s too late for Dave Sholler.
Until then, enjoy the UFC 264 pay-per-view (PPV) main event tomorrow night (Sat., July 10, 2021) inside T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, and remember to tune into the ceremonial weigh ins later tonight for the next McGregor vs. Poirier staredown, which may or may not feature another cheap shot from “Notorious.”
MMAmania.com will deliver LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow coverage of the entire UFC 264 fight card RIGHT HERE, starting with the early Fight Pass/ESPN/ESPN+ “Prelims” matches at 6 p.m. ET, then the remaining undercard balance on ESPN/ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET, before the PPV main card start time at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN+.
For much more on UFC 264: “Poirier vs. McGregor 3” be sure to check out our official UFC 264 news archive by clicking here. For the complete UFC 264 fight card and PPV lineup spread across Fight Pass, ESPN+, and ESPN click here.