Conor McGregor failed to appear for a scheduled interview on ESPN’s “First Take” on June 16, sources familiar with the situation said. The two-time UFC champion, who is preparing for a high-profile comeback fight, was set to appear on the ESPN morning show hosted by Stephen A. Smith but did not show up at the network’s Hudson Square studios in New York City. The network had already promoted the interview in advance before McGregor’s absence was discovered.

Efforts to reach McGregor’s representatives for an explanation went unanswered, and ESPN declined to comment on the incident. This no-show follows a similar occurrence in 2023 when McGregor withdrew from an appearance on ABC’s “Good Morning America.” At that time, his team notified the producers hours before the scheduled live show that he would not attend. That withdrawal coincided with public allegations against McGregor involving an incident at the 2023 NBA Finals; he denied the accusations and the charges were later dropped.

McGregor is currently in the midst of media engagements promoting his upcoming return to the UFC Octagon. He is scheduled to face Max Holloway in Las Vegas next month in a highly anticipated rematch 13 years after their first bout. McGregor secured a victory over Holloway in their 2013 meeting. Additionally, McGregor has announced plans for another fight in April 2027 against an opponent yet to be named.

Throughout his career, McGregor has compiled a record of 22 wins and six losses. The recent missed appearance adds to questions about his media commitments as he prepares for his return to professional fighting.