Skip to content

Conor McGregor will not fight Nate Diaz at UFC 200 as saga concludes

UFC featherweight champion Conor McGregor poses after a news conference with lightweight contender Nate Diaz at UFC Gym Februa
Image: Conor McGregor's return to the UFC is yet to be confirmed

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was scheduled to rematch Nate Diaz at the July 9 showpiece but, after a dispute over media obligations, was officially withdrawn by the UFC.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.

Conor McGregor (R) punches Nate Diaz during UFC 196 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on March 5, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo
Image: McGregor (right) lost by submission to Nate Diaz in March

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.

LAS VEGAS, NV - JANUARY 03:  Light heavyweight champion Jon Jones (R) punches Daniel Comier during the UFC 182 event at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Janua
Image: Jon Jones (right) won by unanimous decision against Daniel Cormier in their first fight

In Jones' absence, Cormier became champion and has strung together back-to-back wins against top contenders Anthony Johnson and Alexander Gustafsson.

Also See:

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.

Around Sky