Conor McGregor Asked If He’s Been 'Pinching Pennies' After Claiming To Have Been 'Kept From His Living' By Not Fighting

Conor McGregor’s recent claims about the UFC ‘keeping him from his livelihood’ have been ripped apart by a fellow fighter.

McGregor is expected to return in 2024, likely against Michael Chandler, after a multiple-year absence from UFC competition. He hasn’t fought since a doctor’s stoppage loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in 2021.

Ahead of his return, McGregor expressed frustration with the UFC’s delayed booking of his return. He claimed that the promotion was stopping him from making money and returning to what made him an international superstar.

A former UFC title challenger called ‘BS’ on that assessment.

Related: Dustin Poirier Provides An Update On His UFC Return, Outlines ‘Enticing’ Option

Anthony Smith Mocks Conor McGregor’s Comments About Absence

In a recent episode of the Believe You Me podcast, Anthony Smith reacted to McGregor’s recent comments about his long UFC absence.

“I hope that he’s pinching pennies and really getting his burn rate down a little bit,” Smith said. “I’m sorry he got injured, I don’t want anyone to be hurt, [but] you pulled yourself out of the testing pool!”

McGregor is one of the richest athletes in the world due to his entrepreneurship in and out of the cage. He sold a majority stake in his Proper 12 Irish Whiskey company for around $600 million in 2021.

Conor McGregor in Saudi Arabia for Fury vs. Ngannou

(Facebook / Conor McGregor)

McGregor topped Forbes’ highest-earning athletes list in 2021. His championship runs through the UFC’s featherweight and lightweight divisions made him into the star he is today.

McGregor’s previously long absence from the USADA testing pool was harshly criticized by many fighters, and Smith feels McGregor’s delayed return to fighting is his own doing.

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