Conor McGregor’s absence at UFC 292 leaves fans wondering about his motivations and the potential impact on his future fights. Read more to find out the fight results and key points from the event.
Despite UFC 292 hosting The Ultimate Fighter tournament finals, TUF coach Conor McGregor was nowhere to be found in the building. Emanating from Boston’s iconic TD Garden, the 31st season of the long-running reality series wrapped up with the bantamweight and lightweight finals.
The bantamweight final featured Brad Katona, a previous TUF winner and representative of Team McGregor, facing off against Cody Gibson for the 135-pound contract. Katona put on an exceptional three-round performance, securing another opportunity with the promotion. In the lightweight tournament final, Kurt Holobaugh and Austin Hubbard, both Team Chandler representatives, battled it out. Holobaugh defied the odds and scored a slick second-round triangle choke to claim his own UFC contract.
Following the event, Michael Chandler, TUF coach and lightweight fan favorite, spoke with the media and addressed Conor McGregor’s absence. Chandler expressed his unique approach to the sport, stating, ‘Whenever I sign my name on a dotted line, I show up, and I do it to the best of my ability. That’s why I was with Kurt, Austin, and Cody earlier today, seeing them, giving them a hug, telling them how much I love them, telling them that I’m excited to go and watch them compete tonight, because tonight was part of the job. That doesn’t mean that (McGregor) is doing anything wrong by not showing up. I would love for him to be here for numerous reasons, not the least of which would be to go say hi to him, see what’s up, see how life is, see how training’s going. But ultimately Conor does what Conor wants to do.’
Fans were disappointed by McGregor’s absence, as it would have been a prime opportunity for him and Chandler to come face-to-face for the first time outside of their roles on The Ultimate Fighter . Speculation had been rife that the event might also serve as the official announcement for their long-awaited clash in the Octagon. However, Dana White only provided a vague update, stating that the bout is likely to take place ‘early next year.’
In conclusion, Conor McGregor’s absence at UFC 292 left fans wondering about his motivations and the potential impact on his future fights. Despite the disappointment, the tournament finals showcased impressive performances from Brad Katona and Kurt Holobaugh, securing their UFC contracts and adding excitement to the bantamweight and lightweight divisions.
Fight Results
| Weight Class | Winner | Method | Contract Awarded |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bantamweight | Brad Katona | Decision (Unanimous) | Yes |
| Lightweight | Kurt Holobaugh | Submission (Triangle Choke) | Yes |
Key Points
- Conor McGregor was absent from UFC 292, leaving fans disappointed.
- Brad Katona secured another opportunity with the promotion after an exceptional performance in the bantamweight final.
- Kurt Holobaugh defied the odds and claimed his own UFC contract with a second-round triangle choke.
- Michael Chandler expressed his unique approach to fighting and his disappointment at McGregor’s absence.
- Dana White hinted at a potential fight between McGregor and Chandler in early next year.
