The Park Theatre in Las Vegas played host to the UFC 229 press conference last night in a remarkable event that saw UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov leave before his opponent, Conor McGregor, had even arrived.
McGregor is infamous for his poor timekeeping and his tardiness resulted in a bizarre situation unfolding during last night's press conference. Nurmagomedov turned up, spoke briefly and then left the arena. It meant UFC President Dana White was left on stage as the entire arena awaited the arrival of the Irishman. White filibustered along in a bid to kill time until McGregor eventually arrived.
Nurmagomedov on storming out.
He’s late. I have schedule, 3 p.m it is time for this conference to begin. Because I have schedule. I have to make weight, I have to worry about myself. Why do I have to worry about him? If somebody is late, it is not my fault.
Dana White on Nurmagomedov leaving (speaking to ESPN.)
If you really look at what happened in New York, I think Conor McGregor absolutely got in his head, got in his manager’s head, rattled and shook them all in New York. I thought today was the perfect counter-punch by Khabib.
McGregor on being a billionaire within five years.
I am 30, now. By the age of 35, I will be a billionaire.
We’re estimating around 3 to 3.5 million (pay-per-view buys), I’d say I’ll close in around the $50 million mark. I’d say I’ll close in at around the $50million mark, so for a mixed martial artist to make $50m for a fight, it’s quite breathtaking. I’ve got to thank my management stable, I’ve got to thank Dana White.
“Life is good, to think where we have come from. When I fought Nate Diaz the first time, he was on $20,000 to show and $20,000 to win. The game has gone to so many new heights so quickly, we’re all trying to keep up. It’s a great time to be involved in the sport, times are good, so let's enjoy these momentous occasions.
Conor McGregor on fighting in Ireland.
Where is the Dublin fight? I know there is situations with the Croke Park stadium, I know we want to do big, big, big. But I tell you what, I'd fight in the Ringside. I'd fight in the Ringside on South Circular road where I made my boxing debut, or my MMA debut I also made there. It is a pub, it fits about 5o people but I'd fuckin' fight in it. You got to ask these guys here, you got to ask Dana and these guys. Because I must, must, must, must, fight in Ireland before I call it a day.
Conor McGregor on Muhammad Ali comparisons.
I respect that and I appreciate that but, Muhammad Ali is a special, special individual. I do not, I am not even close to that man's greatness the things he done throughout his career. The things he did... I can not compare myself to that great man.
