Conor McGregor retired from the UFC on Twitter and UFC 200 is missing a main event.
Rear-Naked Choke Radio hosts Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) and Jay Kelly (@JayKellyMMA were joined by former MMADieHards.com partner Amy Barton (@amesbelle) to talk about McGregor’s sudden retirement from MMA and the ramifications it has on UFC 200.
Audio available for download on iTunes or on Stitcher Radio
Rizzo, Kelly and Barton talked about the possible reasons for McGregor to retire, as well as what it means to the sport and for his legacy if he is truly walking away. Though their opinions weren’t totally in agreement, through debating and stressing their points, the show examined a plethora of reasons for McGregor’s departure.
McGregor was scheduled to rematch Nate Diaz at UFC 200, after the Irishman was submitted in the first meeting. Rizzo, Kelly and Barton discussed the damage done to the card in McGregor’s absence.
With more fighters opting to take fun fights instead of chasing a title shot, the trio of hosts also talked about the benefits and detriments of conducting business in that manner.
Other topics discussed included the return of Jon Jones, The Ultimate Fighter 23, the possibility of a TUF season created with flyweights currently on the UFC 125-pound roster and more.