On the run-up to UFC 196, we reported that Conor McGregor had signed on to star in the upcoming threequel to Vin Diesel's xXx franchise.
McGregor was supposed to play a reasonably big role in the film, however it's been reported today that McGregor ditched the film role to focus himself on his fighting career.
As I mentioned on @SportsCenter, I'm told McGregor has canceled his planned appearance in Vin Diesel's XXX film. Doesn't want distraction.
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) March 19, 2016
There were some uncomfortable parallels between McGregor and Rousey on the run-up to UFC 196; both appeared on the cover of UFC 2, both were signing big Hollywood deals and it almost looked as if UFC / MMA was disappearing into the background for both of them.
However, as you can see from this, McGregor's a fighter first and foremost. Besides, we already have an Irish UFC fighter starring in a major film production. Cathal Pendred, who was on The Manual Podcast a few weeks ago, keeps getting papped on set with Zac Efron and Dwayne Johnson.
Admittedly, it'll be a shame not seeing McGregor starring alongside Diesel in what we're hoping will be the best-worst film of 2017 - but we can't have them all, can we?
Via Twitter