Conor McGregor has issued a lengthy statement on social media, apologizing for his actions at Bellator 187 which took place in Dublin, Ireland last week. Chaos broke out after McGregor jumped into the cage to celebrate with his teammate, Charlie Ward, who had defeated John Redmond in the first round.
As McGregor celebrated in the ring with Ward, veteran MMA ref, Marc Goddard, tried to break things up and told McGregor to get out of the cage. That's when the UFC champ snapped and began shouting at Goddard and shoved him as he went to check on Redmond who was still down on the mat.
If you missed it, you can check out the footage below.
McGregor has a history with referee Marc Goddard and joked about their encounter after the fight.
"I was still trying to say, ‘Keep going,’ and it’s that same referee [Marc Goddard] who I lost my head with [at UFC Gdansk].
"I said, ‘It’s you, you rat.’ He nearly fucking crapped his jocks."
Today, McGregor issued a statement apologizing for his actions, though he made a point to say Goddard made a "horrendous decision" in the way he handled the fight between Ward and Redmond.
"I sincerely apologize for my behavior at last weekends fight event in Dublin. While trying to support a loyal teammate and friend, I let my emotions get the best of me and acted out of line. As a multiple weight UFC champion, executive producer, role model and public figure, I must hold myself to a higher standard.
The referee Marc Gonard was making a horrendous decision in trying to pick an unconscious fighter up off the floor and force the fight to continue into the second round. Even against the wishes of the said fighters coach. The fight was over.
After witnessing my fighter in a fight where the worst happened and the opponent passed away from his injuries on the night, I thought the worst was about to happen again, and I lost it and over reacted. I am sorry to everyone.
I sincerely apologize to the Director of the Mohegan Tribe Department of Athletic Regulation, Mike Mazzulli, all the officials and staff working the event, Andy Ryan and his fighter John, two stonch ones that put up a great fight every time. That side will always have my respect, and lastly every one of my fans. I love yous all!
I’ve always learned from my mistakes and this will be no different."
McGregor had previously expressed no remorse for his actions, saying in a since-deleted post, "Bloke KO'd on floor bout a minute straight and ref trying to say fights not over Conor. That's when I lost it. Fuck yous all."
McGregor, who is 21-3 in his MMA career, hasn't fought in the sport at all this year. Dana White and the UFC wanted McGregor to make his return at UFC 219 on December 30th in Las Vegas, though it's still unclear if they'll be able to negotiate a deal.
