An already strange day grew even stranger Tuesday night when UFC president Dana White announced on ESPN's Sportscenter that the UFC pulled Conor McGregor from the headlining slot of UFC 200 opposite Nate Diaz for refusing to attend a press conference this week in Las Vegas.
The news came just hours after McGregor abruptly announced his retirement from mixed martial arts with a cryptic tweet, and not surprisingly, McGregor's fellow fighters had plenty to say about the bizarre turn of events. Check out reactions from the pros below.
BREAKING: Conor McGregor will not compete in UFC 200. pic.twitter.com/u7SN5B5ICL
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 19, 2016
Dear Dana,
— Cowboy Cerrone (@Cowboycerrone) April 20, 2016
I'm pretty open July 9th. Have this thing June 18th in Canada. But after that I'm Game the Fuck ON!!!
Thats funny because I'll be available to for UFC 200 with a winning streak ! #UfcOttawa
— patrick cote (@patrick_cote) April 20, 2016
https://t.co/bpXNdRj7TK
I remember it like it was yesterday when Conor, Rousey and Sage could do no wrong. My oh my how things have changed. WOW
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) April 20, 2016
So it seems the McGregor retirement rumor is true. My thoughts? It's about the ca$h. Goes to UFC wanting more money & they said no. #UFC200
— Josh Barnett (@JoshLBarnett) April 20, 2016
...... pic.twitter.com/i7bAfZ0ZKh
— 'Rowdy' Bec Rawlings (@RowdyBec) April 20, 2016
— 'Rowdy' Bec Rawlings (@RowdyBec) April 19, 2016
That face u make when the monster u created disobeys your commands. #UFC200 #InvictaFC17 #ThisisWhy #ConorMcGregor pic.twitter.com/bi0oJPfwFp
— Angela Hill (@AngieOverkill) April 20, 2016
@TheNotoriousMMA You're rich, you're young and you won't have to work for the rest of your life....... WELL PLAYED! @ParadigmSM
— Sean Strickland (@SStricklandMMA) April 20, 2016
If Conor is really out I'm sure me and Lawler could put on an epic war for you guys... Jus sayin
— Matt Brown (@IamTheImmortal) April 20, 2016
If they will make it the new main event I'll fight an actual rabid animal at UFC200. I want 1/10 of whatever Conor did.
— Tom Lawlor (@FilthyTomLawlor) April 20, 2016
I also offer to wear the McGregor tattoos and fight vs Nate Diaz if we can do a catch weight. Hell I'll even get the ACTUAL tattoos for $$$
— Tom Lawlor (@FilthyTomLawlor) April 20, 2016
I'm down to scrap a southpaw at #UFC200 @danawhite
— Cub Swanson (@CubSwanson) April 20, 2016
Who cares if @TheNotoriousMMA retires let him live his own life ! @Ufc 200 @FrankieEdgar AND THE NEW FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMP!!!
— Team Frankie Perez (@TeamFrankieP) April 20, 2016
Everyone on my newsfeed like... Hahahaha pic.twitter.com/IPuwRxHwqq
— Jerome-Max Holloway (@BlessedMMA) April 20, 2016
Really shows the star power of @TheNotoriousMMA sends out one tweet and the world goes crazy! I'm pretty sure you'll see him at #UFC200
— Chad Laprise (@ChadLaprise) April 20, 2016
Negative, sir. If anything, we'll see Conor McGregor Promotions. https://t.co/oLUtyvYZQq
— Mike Jackson, Esq. (@TheTruthJackson) April 20, 2016
Contract wise he can't just leave the UFC. The retirement clause is really the only option. https://t.co/AcnSXBn5RE
— Josh Barnett (@JoshLBarnett) April 20, 2016
Something smells fishy https://t.co/In6MNiyHZr
— Chris Kelades (@keladesmma) April 20, 2016
I'll fight Nate! Let me get that!!
— The Diamond (@DustinPoirier) April 20, 2016
Sooo @NateDiaz209 what do you have going on the night of UFC 200 :) @ufc @danawhite https://t.co/uh4ZzvMnYN
— Neil Magny (@NeilMagny) April 20, 2016
Does McGregor still get to keep this belt? Dude needs to be stripped asap imo. Pulling stunts to protect brand. Scared to lose again.
— Chris Wade (@CWadeMMA) April 20, 2016
Hey @TheNotoriousMMA you want to set up a bareknuckle boxing fight now that you are retired from UFC??? Let me know
— Cody McKenzie (@thecodymckenzie) April 20, 2016
Connor Mcgregor,Hope you're buying time to get to 170! U Hav the$ and the right to quit.But happy? Maybe,but not a Champ!Enjoy your Lobster.
— Mark Coleman (@HammerHouseMMA) April 20, 2016
With @TheNotoriousMMA out, I'll take a fight with @NateDiaz209
— Jake Matthews (@JakeMatthewsUFC) April 20, 2016
If theres is a spot Open on #UFC200 I am ready !!! Any top 10 but I def want #1 contender @JoeJitsu @danawhite @seanshelby @ufc
— Wilson Reis (@wilsonreis7) April 20, 2016
Give Me and Dos Anjos the Main Event Spot @ufc Ready to Be Violent !!! #Phillyfighter
— Edward Alvarez (@Ealvarezfight) April 20, 2016
Need a add on fight for July I'll be ready #FightersFight https://t.co/FLo9hdBk16
— Cody Garbrandt (@Cody_Nolove) April 20, 2016
Hey @CMPunk I hear they r adding an extra fight at #ufc200. This is me asking 4 it. You wanna do the same? @danawhite @lorenzofertitta @ufc
— Mickey Gall (@mickeygall) April 20, 2016
— Derrick Lewis (@Thebeast_ufc) April 20, 2016
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