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'I AM HERE'

Conor McGregor reveals he was REFUSED return at UFC 222 – despite Irishman’s desperation to step in and face Frankie Edgar

The Notorious makes stunning claim that the promotion turned down his request to replace Max Holloway next Saturday

CONOR MCGREGOR has vowed to "fight again" despite claiming his offer to fight at UFC 222 was rejected.

The lightweight champion made the promise tonight in a statement on Instagram as he revealed his proposal to replace Max Holloway and battle Frankie Edgar next weekend was turned down.

Conor McGregor claimed  his offer to fight Frankie Edgar at UFC 222 was rejected
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Conor McGregor claimed  his offer to fight Frankie Edgar at UFC 222 was rejectedCredit: Instagram @thenotoriousmma

He wrote: "I am fighting again. Period. I am the best at this.

"I put my name forward to step in at UFC 222 to face Frankie Edgar when Max Holloway pulled out, but I was told there wasn't enough time to generate the money that the UFC would need.

"I was excited about bouncing in last minute and taking out the final featherweight, without all the rest of the stuff that comes with this game.

"Please respect the insane amount of work outside the fight game that I have put in.

Conor McGregor has revealed his offer to fight Frankie Edgar at UFC 222 has been rejected
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McGregor made the claim on social mediaCredit: AP:Associated Press
The Irishman stepped forward to fight Frankie Edgar after Max Holloway pulled out
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The Irishman stepped forward to fight Frankie Edgar after Max Holloway pulled outCredit: Getty Images

"On top of the fighting. I am here.

"It is on them to come and get me. Because I am here."

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He then signed the message off as the "Champ Champ".

Despite his determination to return to the octagon, many believed McGregor was more interested in a money-spinning rematch with Floyd Mayweather under MMA rules.

Conor Mcgregor struts into the UFC Performance Institute with his son in Gucci suede fur slippers and pink trousers

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And with his focus on Mayweather, whom he lost to in a boxing match last August, The Notorious is set to be stripped off one of his UFC straps.

He has not defended the title for 15 months and UFC president Dana White says that means his belt will be taken away.

And he says that means the victor of Tony Ferguson and Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 223 in April will be crowned the new lightweight king.

McGregor is the only fighter to be champion in two UFC divisions simultaneously
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McGregor is the only fighter to be champion in two UFC divisions simultaneouslyCredit: Sportsfile - Subscription
Many thought Conor McGregor was more interested in securing a rematch with Floyd Mayweather
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Many thought Conor McGregor was more interested in securing a rematch with Floyd MayweatherCredit: AP:Associated Press
UFC chief Dana White has confirmed that Conor McGregor will be stripped of his belt after not defending it for 15 months
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UFC chief Dana White has confirmed that Conor McGregor will be stripped of his belt after not defending it for 15 monthsCredit: Getty Images - Getty

Speaking to TMZ, White said: "I said in the last press conference, that fight will be for the title.

"It’s not for the interim title, that fight is for the title."

When pressed further whether that meant McGregor would lose his title, White added: "Right."

Conor McGregor beats his chest like an gorilla, works out with customised Irish Beats By Dre and eats a healthy meal ahead of UFC comeback

McGregor is the only fighter to be champion in two UFC divisions simultaneously after defeating former featherweight champion Jose Aldo at UFC 194 in 13 seconds, the fastest UFC title fight victory, and then winning the UFC lightweight belt against Eddie Alvarez at UFC 205.

The 29-year-old is the biggest pay-per-view draw in MMA history, headlining four out of the six highest-selling UFC events.

His boxing fight with Mayweather also dew 4.3m buys in North America, the second most of all-time.

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