Conor McGregor fires back at rivals as his manager explains leniency of $150,000 fine

CONOR McGregor was fined a whopping $150,000 by the Nevada State Athletic Commission for his bottle and can-throwing antics at the UFC 202 press conference.

And despite the size of the financial penalty, the UFC superstar’s manager has suggested that the huge six-figure fine could have been a lot worse.

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Looking to move forward: Conor McGregor’s manager Audie Attar (right)[/caption]

Audie Attar, president of Paradigm Sports Management, the team that looks after the interests of McGregor, as well as many other UFC athletes and NFL stars, spoke to ESPN to lay out the situation regarding McGregor’s punishment from the NSAC.

And he admitted the NSAC could have come down even harder on the Dubliner.

“The fact is the Commission, based on the statute, had the right to fine him 100% of his purse, suspend him and also include charitable efforts,” Attar explained.

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Chucking money away: Conor McGregor’s bottle and can throwing at the UFC 202 presser cost him $150,000[/caption]

And he went on to explain the key aims when they looked to negotiate a deal with NSAC over McGregor's punishment.

"Our first concern was really ensuring that he was not going to be suspended," he said.

"We have a fight a month away - UFC 205, Madison Square Garden - a historical night, where once Conor wins that fight he will be the first to hold two belts at the same time in UFC history.

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Moving forward: Team McGregor have their sights set on UFC 205 in New York[/caption]

"The second concern was ensure that we were to limit that fine. The Commission stated that they have a formulaic approach

whereby fining athletes about 10-15% of their purse.

"This was the highest purse in UFC history, so we were able to get them to agree with us that 5% was the right number - and even of that 5% half of that was going towards a public service announcement.

"Ultimately nobody likes to get fined, but we're happy we can move past that and focus on UFC 205."

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Big earner: Conor McGregor's $3million paycheque at UFC 202 was the biggest disclosed fight purse in UFC history[/caption]

Attar explained McGregor may still contest the fine, but it would appear his management have done a good job of damage limitation in clearing the way for him to continue with his champion-versus-champion bout with Eddie Alvarez in New York on November 12.

"We're gonna share all the information with Conor and let him know his rights and make that decision.

"Right now we're just trying to focus on the next task at hand, which is UFC 205."

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McGregor's response to the fine came in the form of a short post on Twitter that was typical McGregor.

Taking aim at his detractors within the UFC's roster, the Dubliner teased: "I get fined more than these bums get paid."

And you know what? He's right.