Coach: UFC 'going too far' to exclude McGregor from NY debut

There is a distinct possibility that two of the UFC's biggest events this year will be without Conor McGregor.

McGregor's coach John Kavanagh spoke to Ariel Helwani on the MMA Hour on Monday concerning his client's status. He pointed out that not only has McGregor been removed from UFC 200 for neglecting his promotional duties, he's also likely to miss the UFC's first show in New York in November according to company president Dana White's statements at a press conference Friday.

"That was hard to hear," said Kavanagh, according to Marc Raimondi of MMA Fighting. "I really think that's going too far. (McGregor) was bold, but it wasn't anything that bad. If we get the slap on the wrist for 200, we definitely can't be put on the naughty (list) for New York."

Given New York's substantial Irish population, McGregor would have been a shoo-in for a headlining spot on the historic card. However, his issues with the organization leave his future in doubt, which Kavanagh sees as a lost opportunity for all parties involved.

"As an Irish guy in New York, the first card in Madison Square Garden, I think Conor would show up anyway and fight someone in a changing room if (White) doesn't put him on the card," said Kavanagh. "We have to be put on the New York card."