Conor McGregor can talk a good mixed martial arts (MMA) game, but the mouthy Irishman’s antics could once again backfire on him if he’s not careful. Indeed, McGregor’s latest rant, during which he taunted Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) with a “Catch Me If You Can“-like remark, has caught the attention of New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC).
New York, of course, is the destination for McGregor’s upcoming blockbuster showdown against Lightweight champion, Eddie Alvarez, inside Madison Square Garden on Nov. 12, 2016. It is the first-ever major, sanctioned MMA event to take place in the “Empire State” so, naturally, the athletic commission is going to try and do everything by the book. And that includes possibly ensuring that “Notorious” is debt-free heading into his date with destiny.
MMAFighting.com has shared the complete statement from NYSAC:
“The New York State Athletic Commission is aware of the Order issued by the Nevada Athletic Commission. Conor McGregor has not yet completed his application to the New York State Athletic Commission for a license, nor, to our knowledge, has he agreed to the fine levied by Nevada or exercised an appeal. It is also our understanding that the time within which Mr. McGregor may seek a legal challenge to the Nevada Order has not yet expired. An administrative fine without a concurrent suspension is not a mandatory bar to licensure. The New York State Athletic Commission expects its licensees to resolve disciplinary actions and comply with lawful final orders issued by the states in which they have chosen to compete, and will be closely monitoring this matter.”
McGregor was fined $75,000 fine, as well as ordered to complete 50 hours community service and cut a pricey PSA (full details here). It’s essentially a $150,000 punishment for getting into a water bottle war with Nate Diaz and his crew ahead of their rematch at UFC 202 two months ago. Excessive? Absolutely. But, McGregor is constantly drawing bullseyes on his back for better or worse.
Company president, Dana White, has revealed that McGregor no longer wants to compete in Nevada as a result of the fiasco. He went as far to say that “he doesn’t need Nevada;” but when other commissions consider questionable behavior in other jurisdictions — and then have to decide whether or not to license fighters who refuse to pay fines — McGregor might want to pump the breaks.