Conor McGregor’s comeback press run started with some drama after he skipped a scheduled First Take appearance with Stephen A. Smith.
The UFC star was expected at ESPN’s Hudson Square studios in New York this week, where he had been booked on Smith’s morning show, according to Page Six. Sources told the outlet that McGregor never showed up.
McGregor has been promoting his return to the Octagon after five years away from UFC competition and is set to face Max Holloway on July 11 at UFC 329 inside T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The fight is a rematch of their 2013 bout, which McGregor won.
The Irish fighter has been trying to present himself as ready for another major run. Speaking with Ariel Helwani, McGregor said he already has two fight dates attached to his current UFC contract.
“I am contracted, and I have both dates. I have both dates for my fights,” he said at the time.
McGregor said his second planned bout would not come until April 2027, which did not sit well with him. “That’s ridiculous to me, I think, no?” he said. “I feel great. Bring it on, baby. The Mac is back, and I’m going to put on a show here in this fight,” he continued about the July bout.
