Conor McGregor will not fight Nate Diaz at UFC 200 as saga concludes
By James Dielhenn
Last Updated: 27/04/16 11:55pm
Conor McGregor's absence from UFC 200 has been confirmed after Jon Jones v Daniel Cormier was announced as the main event.
McGregor was scheduled to rematch Nate Diaz at the July 9 showpiece but, after a dispute over media obligations, was officially withdrawn by the UFC.
The Irishman tweeted "happy to announce that I am back on UFC 200" last week but that was quickly refuted before Diaz dropped a "vacation" hint on social media. Their rematch will remain on the shelf after a new headliner was confirmed on Good Morning America.
Jones, arguably the sport's pound-for-pound king, will bid to reclaim the light-heavyweight championship from bitter rival Cormier in a rematch that was originally planned for last weekend.
Cormier's injury meant Jones instead defeated Ovince Saint-Preux at UFC 197 to become interim champion, and will now make a quick turnaround to reappear this summer in a unification fight.
Jones has already dealt Cormier his only career defeat in January 2015 - but then endured a 16-month absence from the cage due to suspension, meaning his light-heavyweight title was stripped.
In Jones' absence, Cormier became champion and has strung together back-to-back wins against top contenders Anthony Johnson and Alexander Gustafsson.
UFC 200 will also feature Jose Aldo against Frankie Edgar for the interim featherweight title - with McGregor expected to defend his full championship against the winner.
Miesha Tate will defend her women's bantamweight belt against Amanda Nunes.
