Conor McGregor could be back in the Octagon as soon as April, and it sounds as though the Irish star is looking forward to getting back to work.
McGregor was suspended for six months and fined $50,000 for his role in the post-fight melee that occurred after his UFC 229 headlining bout with Khabib Nurmagomedov in Las Vegas. The suspension is retroactive to the Oct. 6 date of the event.
McGregor took to Twitter to react to the punishment, while also sharing a photo from the incident.
“I am thankful for the Nevada [Athletic Commission’s] fair assessment and handling of the brawl incident,” McGregor wrote. “It was not my intention to land the final blow of the night on my opponent’s blood relative. It’s just how it played out. I look forward to competing again soon. Thank you all.”
I am thankful for the Nevada athletic commissions fair assessment and handling of the brawl incident.
It was not my intention to land the final blow of the night on my opponent’s blood relative. It’s just how it played out.
I look forward to competing again soon.
Thank you all.— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) January 30, 2019
Straight left hand inside the attackers jab.
He attempted to use the big security guard that’s in all the movies as cover, but I could smell him a mile away and landed flush down the pipe.
The final blow of the night UFC 229 in association with McGregor Sports and Entertainment. pic.twitter.com/h4GO46oX3a— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) January 30, 2019
McGregor, a former two-division champion, hasn’t won a fight in the UFC since November 2016. He has expressed interest in a showdown with Donald Cerrone following the popular veteran’s victory over Alexander Hernandez at UFC Brooklyn on Jan. 19.