The options are simple for Conor McGregor after his rematch with Nate Diaz.
UFC president Dana White has given ‘The Notorious’ two choices – either return to 145 lbs to defend his title or say goodbye to his belt.
During the pre-fight press conference for UFC 202, White was asked what the future holds for the featherweight champion when he explained that it’s either defend or vacate.
“Yeah,” White said when a reporter asked if McGregor’s next move, win or lose against Diaz, would be a return to featherweight. “Or giving it (the belt) up!”
White appeared upset with the Irishman from the beginning of the press conference, due in no small part to McGregor’s decision to show up 30 minutes late.
And White made no secret of his irritation as he claimed that the repeated displays of tardiness would have to stop.
“He’s on his way,” White said, when asked about the then-empty chair to his left.
“So we’re starting without him. He has to start respecting peoples’ time, man… yours (media), theirs (fans), mine, theirs (fighters), David Copperfields’, everybody’s. We only have so much time in this room.
“Listen we’re having a press conference here. If it’s over before he gets here then it’s over. Do you have any questions other than Conor being late?”
Just before it all kicked off with bottles and cans being thrown between the rivals, McGregor found the time to have a bit of fun with his lateness.
“I thought it was 1.30pm (Vegas time). I was told 1.30pm,” McGregor said.
“Vegas traffic’s heavy as well this time of year. There must be a McGregor show going on because the place is packed out.
“These press conferences have helped shape what this is and they have got me kicked off cards before.
“I’m just happy to be here. I’m ready to fight. Cut all the bullshit. I’m here. I’m ready to fight. You know you’re going to get a fight when I’m here. You know it’s going to be a show. So forget all this other crap and this timekeeping. I’m here!”
