Opinion: What Did Conor McGregor’s ESPN Interview Tell Us?

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Conor McGregor in a sitdown interview with ESPN’s Kenny Mayne over the weekend finally broke his silence on the myriad of issues that led to his removal from UFC 200. The topics ranged from his perspective on what exactly transpired and led to his no longer facing Nate Diaz at the July 9 event to addressing rumors of a boxing match with Floyd Mayweather Jr.

What did we learn about the situation and, more importantly, the relationship between the Ultimate Fighting Championship featherweight titleholder and the promotion for which he fights? Well, we didn’t learn too much more than what we already knew. McGregor appears to regret not sucking it up and flying to Las Vegas for the UFC 200 press conference. However, he doesn’t appear to regret the decision as much as he regrets not being able to compete on that particular card and cash in on what would likely have been a massive payday. He doesn’t necessarily feel that he did anything wrong and doesn’t appear to be all that upset about the decision to take him out of the UFC 200 main event.

It seems McGregor was more or less calling UFC President Dana White’s bluff by sticking to his guns and not making the trip to Vegas; and the way he tells it sounds like someone who had his bluff called.

“I’ll tell you what, it blew up,” McGregor said in regards to the tweet that stated he was retiring early, admitting it was something about which he didn’t think very deeply. “I was kind of having fun to start, half-hearted. Then all of a sudden it’s, ‘You’re off 200!’ I was like, ‘All right, well [expletive] you, too, then.’”

This isn’t a man who feels bad about his actions, and it certainly isn’t a man who is worried about his standing with the company. What we’re finding out is that McGregor has a massive ego, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. He’s in the business of promoting McGregor, and anything he touches must reflect that. Being a company man with no benefits doesn’t intrigue him in the slightest.

As the conversation progresses, it’s increasingly evident that McGregor is aware that he has options and is currently in prime position in the driver’s seat. However, he also recognizes that he has to fight in order to get paid, and with that comes the inquiry about the rumors surrounding a fight with Mayweather. McGregor recognizes the rumors have only enhanced his profile on a mainstream level and squashing them probably would only hinder his momentum. So what does he do? He busy into it -- kind of. The way he does it is far more indicative of McGregor’s recognition of his brand and how he will refuse to limit his exposure.

“I’m committed to the fight game,” McGregor said when asked if he has made a commitment with the UFC. “I enjoy competition. I enjoy challenges. If a challenge is in front of me and it appeals to me, I will go ahead and conquer it.”

If you’re wondering what he means, it’s simple: McGregor is in the moneymaking business. That’s not limited to the UFC. He won’t be limited by the UFC. At least, he won’t be limited if you ask him. Whatever happens behind the scenes is between McGregor and whoever he is negotiating with.

For as much power that McGregor appears to have, the UFC holds all the cards in this deal. If there’s ever going to be a fight with Mayweather, it will have to go through the UFC. As a matter of fact, as long as McGregor is bound to the UFC, everything that has to do with McGregor will have to go through the company, too. No matter what McGregor says, he’s not in power.

Still, it’s probably best to let McGregor function this way. Even though he’s still contractually bound to the UFC, the aura of freedom is something that enhances his profile and, in turn, enhances the UFC’s profile. As nonsensical as the fight with Mayweather appears, there’s really no reason for McGregor to shoot it down. As long as Mayweather continues to buy into the rumors for his own visibility in retirement, McGregor might as well do the same and leave it up to the UFC to kill the silly dreams of people who want to see a fight that makes very little sense. It’s more sizzle than steak, and McGregor and Mayweather are both sizzle guys who can sell the hell out of a fight before it happens.

Where does this leave his relationship with the UFC? The same place it was several months back. It’s not strained. McGregor is just a fighter who’s able to project a unique image of himself as a standalone businessman. He’s not Mayweather, but he possesses a lot of the ideals that made Mayweather the richest athlete in the world. The UFC is smart to let him say what he wants because, at the end of the day, it signs his paychecks and is responsible for his contract. That’s more powerful than anything that McGregor can say in an interview.

Andreas Hale is the editorial content director of 2DopeBoyz.com, co-host of the boxing, MMA and pro wrestling podcast “The Corner” and a regular columnist for Sherdog.com. You can follow on Twitter for his random yet educated thoughts on combat sports, music, film and popular culture.