Conor McGregor has done it again—this time leaving ESPN's Stephen A. Smith waiting at the altar. According to a report from Page Six, the Irish MMA superstar was a no-show for his scheduled appearance on Tuesday's edition of "First Take," where he was expected to promote his upcoming fight against Max Holloway.
The two-time UFC champion had been booked to join Smith and the crew in New York City's Hudson Square studios, but sources say he simply never showed up. ESPN and McGregor's team have remained tight-lipped, offering no explanation for the snub. It's the latest in a string of missed commitments for McGregor, who also famously ditched a "Good Morning America" appearance in 2023—the same day he was accused of sexual assault by an unnamed woman at the NBA Finals.
This isn't the first time McGregor's reliability has been called into question. The 22-6 fighter has a history of making headlines for reasons beyond the Octagon, and this latest incident only adds to the narrative. With his comeback fight against Holloway set for next month in Las Vegas—a rematch 13 years in the making since McGregor beat him in 2013—the timing couldn't be worse.
McGregor has been teasing a second return fight for around this time next year, though he and UFC president Dana White have yet to name an opponent. But if he can't make it to a morning show appearance, fans might wonder if he's truly locked in for the Holloway bout. The fight is less than a month away, and McGregor's absence from "First Take" has already sparked chatter about his focus.
Stephen A. Smith, never one to shy away from controversy, handled the situation like a pro. The show went on without McGregor, with Smith and the panel diving into hot topics like the Knicks' long-awaited NBA title and Victor Wembanyama's refusal to shake hands after the Spurs' Game 5 loss. Smith recently admitted he lost faith in the Knicks before their championship run, but he didn't let McGregor's no-show derail the broadcast.
Page Six reached out to McGregor's team for comment but received no response. ESPN also declined to explain the situation. The silence has only fueled speculation about what really happened. Was it a scheduling mix-up? A deliberate snub? Or just another case of McGregor doing his own thing?
McGregor's history of no-shows is well-documented. In addition to the "Good Morning America" incident, he's been known to miss press conferences and other commitments. This pattern has led some to question whether the fighter is prioritizing his brand over his responsibilities. With his fight against Holloway looming, the pressure is on to prove he's still the same dominant force who once ruled the UFC.
As for Stephen A. Smith, he's no stranger to high-profile feuds and controversies. Just last week, he fired back at Donald Trump after a heated exchange over the Knicks' finals run. But being stood up by McGregor is a new kind of headache. Smith's show is a staple of sports morning TV, and having a guest bail without notice is a major inconvenience.
The MMA world is buzzing about this latest twist. McGregor's return to the Octagon is already one of the most anticipated events of the year, and this no-show adds an extra layer of drama. Will he show up for the fight? If history is any guide, fans might want to hold their breath.
