This is a big loss.
There will be no formal post-fight press conference after UFC 202.
A lot of Conor McGregor’s fights have been that expedited and business-like in the past that it was chat in the pressers that often garnished the most traction in the fallout of events.
Not that the Dubliner is going to put Nate Diaz away in a matter of seconds on Saturday night/Sunday morning but UFC fans have grown accustomed The Notorious and his one-liners and the world tunes in to hear them. They weren’t even the best of it all though. Anyone looking for a real insight into McGregor could do a lot worse than just listen to him in the moments after a fight.
His mask drops, his act is loosened, and he speaks with honesty and humility. Those are the moments when he’s at his most raw. Those are the moments when he’s most real.
And it is fascinating.
MMA folk won’t get the same opportunity this time around though as the UFC have confirmed that interviews will only be held in media scrums, rather than a press conference.
And, Jesus, imagine the drama we’re missing out on.
Diaz storms out of #ufc202 presser, starts throwing bottles. McGregor returns fire. pic.twitter.com/J7D3hngMWC
— Darragh Murphy (@DarrMurphy) August 17, 2016
The build-up to the main card at UFC 202 has exploded into life this weekend, cops were on hand for the bloody weigh-ins and any chance to see Diaz and McGregor face-to-face is going to pull in a crowd.
Once the fight is over though, so too is the fun.
From UFC PR: there will not be a formal post-fight PC tonight. Instead, select main carders will be made available in scrum format post-202.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) August 20, 2016
Logistical and security purposes have been cited for the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Re: no PC tonight via a UFC official: "Media will still get access to athletes as usual. (It's due to) logistical and security purposes."
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) August 20, 2016
At UFC 200, the post-PC was held in a tent. Apparently there isn't a good-sized room at T-Mobile for something like that yet.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) August 20, 2016
Bollocks anyway.
Massive Mayo v Tipperary preview plus a big interview with Eamon McGee in the latest GAA Hour. Subscribe here on iTunes.
