MMA journalist Ariel Helwani recently voiced his disappointment over Conor McGregor’s absence from the highly anticipated UFC 300 card in April. Helwani criticized the promotion for sidelining the Irishman and offered some insights into possible reasons for their actions.
With UFC 300 expected to feature blockbuster matchups and be a monumental event for the promotion, many were puzzled by the exclusion of their biggest superstar.
Despite McGregor expressing his desire to compete at UFC 300 and his previous criticism of the promotion’s treatment of him, Helwani revealed that ‘The Notorious’ was denied a spot on the card after attempting to secure one.
Speaking on The MMA Hour, Helwani speculated that the UFC’s decision to delay McGregor’s return could be linked to his contract situation, suggesting they may intend to leverage him for future sponsorship or broadcast deals. He stated:
“You’re sidelining the biggest draw in the history of the sport. Trust me, when I tell you he has two fights left, that’s not a coincidence. It’s beneficial to have him around when you’re negotiating TV or pay-per-view deals…
There’s no valid reason why he shouldn’t be part of UFC 300… What’s the rationale here? He’s eager to compete. He’s made that clear… Why are you keeping him on the sidelines? It’s absurd. It’s a disservice.”
