Conor McGregor was slapped with a $75,000 fine by the Nevada Athletic Commission for his involvement in a water bottle-throwing war with Nate Diaz during the UFC 202 pre-fight presser in August. “The Notorious”, however, seemingly has no plans of settling it.
Initially, the reported number was at $150,000, in which McGregor had challenged the Commission to try and get it from him. UFC president Dana White also announced that the current featherweight champion was no longer interested in fighting in Nevada, and would instead exercise his other options.
“Conor McGregor doesn’t need Nevada. He could fight anywhere,” White said. “He could fight in Iowa, okay. We can put his fight on an Island off the coast of anywhere… and it just makes no sense for the state.”
McGregor’s next pay-per-view headliner would indeed take place outside of Nevada, at the Madison Square Garden in New York City for UFC 205 against Eddie Alvarez. While it is expected to be another massive draw, the New York State Athletic Commission is not turning a blind eye on the case at hand.
In a statement they released via MMA Fighting, the NYSAC assures that they will be “closely monitoring” McGregor’s sanction, while clarifying that it would not be affecting the November 12th event.
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.
Apart from the fine, McGregor would also need to complete 50 hours of community service.