Conor McGregor blames Chatri Sityodtong of One Championship for UFC flyweights getting cut
- Irishman calls on One’s CEO Chatri to ‘have respect’ and ‘sign the division’
- Several flyweights announce release after Demetrious Johnson’s exit to One
Conor McGregor has blamed One Championship CEO and founder Chatri Sityodtong for dozens of UFC flyweights potentially losing their jobs.
Chatri and One revealed former UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson as their latest marquee signing last week.
But the exit of “Mighty Mouse” – who holds the record for most consecutive UFC title defences – will reportedly see UFC president Dana White scrap the 125lb division.
Several flyweights, including Jose “Shorty” Torres and Jarred Brooks, announced their release on Thursday, though the division’s top stars will now reportedly move up to bantamweight.
“You must now take all the 125lbers that have been let go, Chatri,” McGregor wrote on Twitter.
“You talk all of this Martial Art and respect talk, yet your greed has directly cost more than half a fighting division it’s [sic] chance to earn income for their family.
“Have respect @YODCHATRI. Sign the division.”
Chatri, who has yet to respond to the former UFC featherweight and lightweight champion, unveiled Johnson and his fellow former UFC star Eddie Alvarez at a press conference in Singapore on Thursday.
“I spent seven years in North America and I truly feel like the North American crowd does not appreciate the athletes, the martial artists,” Johnson said. “In Asia, you guys appreciate true martial artists.”
He added: “[In North America] it’s about ruffling feathers, creating chaos,” Johnson said. “That’s not what I am about.”
The UFC’s decision to release Johnson from his contract was part of a blockbuster trade for One’s former welterweight champion Ben Askren.
The American took issue with McGregor’s comments regarding Chatri and Johnson, firing back on Twitter.
“When did @TheNotoriousMMA become a social justice warrior?” Askren wrote, adding sarcastically that “none of his [McGregor’s] antics have ever cost anyone a paycheck”.
Askren is set to make his long-awaited UFC debut on January 26 against Robbie Lawler at UFC 233 in Anaheim, California.
One announced on Thursday that Johnson and Alvarez will get their chance to win gold in the company’s 2019 flyweight and lightweight grand prix tournaments.
Former UFC women’s bantamweight champion Miesha Tate has also taken over as vice-president of One, Chatri revealed. The 32-year-old will move with her partner, MMA fighter Johnny Nunez, and their young child to Singapore.
