NYSAC 'closely monitoring' McGregor's outstanding fine
Conor McGregor's tiff with the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) has its New York counterpart on its toes.
The Irishman is set to challenge Eddie Alvarez for the lightweight title in New York City at UFC 205 in November, but the outstanding fine he owes the NSAC may stand in the way of his license to fight in the Big Apple. In a statement issued Monday, the Empire State's commission said it would be "closely monitoring this matter," as it "expects its licensees to resolve disciplinary actions and comply with lawful final orders issued by the states in which they have chosen to compete."
The full statement, obtained by Marc Raimondi of MMA Fighting, is below:
The New York State Athletic Commission is aware of the Order issued by the Nevada Athletic Commission. Conor McGregor has not yet completed his application to the New York State Athletic Commission for a license, nor, to our knowledge, has he agreed to the fine levied by Nevada or exercised an appeal. It is also our understanding that the time within which Mr. McGregor may seek a legal challenge to the Nevada Order has not yet expired. An administrative fine without a concurrent suspension is not a mandatory bar to licensure. The New York State Athletic Commission expects its licensees to resolve disciplinary actions and comply with lawful final orders issued by the states in which they have chosen to compete, and will be closely monitoring this matter.
McGregor was fined $75,000 two weeks ago in relation to his water bottle fight with Nate Diaz days before their rematch at UFC 202. "The Notorious" was also ordered to complete 50 hours of community service, as well as a public service announcement valued at another $75,000. The Irishman has rebelled against the verdict, vowing to stay out of Nevada for the foreseeable future. As for the scratch he owes, McGregor wished the commission "good luck trying to get it."
New York state legalized MMA in April, making UFC 205 the promotion's first trip to Madison Square Garden.