There was a real sense of accomplishment in the worldwide mixed martial arts community when the sport was signed into New York law back in April.

The age-old saga with the Culinary Union had finally come to an end, and then-owner Lorenzo Fertitta promised a card that would reflect the enormity of the occasion when the UFC finally made its first visit to the iconic Madison Square Garden.

"Our commitment to bringing incredible live events to New York starts immediately, as we've planned a major pay-per-view event at Madison Square Garden on November 12," Fertitta said. "It's going to be a historic, monumental moment for this sport and our passionate fans when the Octagon finally arrives in New York."

Initially, the fights rumored for the card matched his aspirations perfectly. The first bout that was announced for the landmark night was Donald Cerrone vs. Robbie Lawler -- a fight for the ages between two of the most beloved American fighters on the roster.



Photo Credit: © David Dermer-USA TODAY Sports

Then, we heard that Chris Weidman would take on Yoel Romero on the night. Among other things, Weidman embarked on a tour of the state and wrote heartfelt editorials to help the UFC's cause in the "Big Apple," and the clash with the Cuban felt worthy of the historic night.

The cherry on top for all fans were the reports of Conor McGregor vying for his second UFC title in a meeting with lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez. FloCombat previously outlined why McGregor was the perfect name to top the marquee event due to the links the Irish have with the city.

So far, however, the reality hasn't matched this considerable hype. 

Lackluster by all measures

Robbie Lawler's withdrawal from the Cerrone bout was a sign of things to come, and we are now stuck with a card that doesn't seem equal to the occasion.

The most attractive meetings on the card pit Cerrone against Kelvin Gastelum, a considerable step down from the Lawler fight, and Frankie Edgar versus Jeremy Stephens. Although no one would deny the caliber of fighters who are involved in those two bouts, it still doesn't quite feel as gigantic as the card that Fertitta promised fans back in April.

Like at UFC 200, there seems to be something going on behind the scenes that is hindering the main event, Alvarez versus McGregor, from being made. Both
parties have underlined their interest in that championship fight, but Dana White has declared that Alvarez will instead face Khabib Nurmagomedov.



Photo Credit: © Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

The UFC president also announced that McGregor had injured his leg, hours after I had witnessed the Irish featherweight champion walking from his car and into SBG for a training session. Bizarre, right?

Native New Yorker Al Iaquinta's request to discuss his money before signing for his scheduled bout with Thiago Alves was denied by the UFC, forcing him from the card. Many believe that his teammate Weidman is refusing to sign his own contract due to the disagreement between "Raging Al" and the promotion. For a card believed to boast a majority of New York's finest fighters, UFC 205 currently comes up short. 

No Ace in the Hole

We were all shocked that White pulled McGregor from the UFC 200 card, but his decision made a lot of sense when he later revealed that Brock Lesnar was waiting in the wings to fill in for the Irishman.

Considering the first UFC show at Madison Square Garden without McGregor, the only fighters who could come in and take the Dubliner's place in terms of drawing a similar amount of viewers would be Ronda Rousey or all-time great Georges St-Pierre (GSP).

GSP initially was thought to have started his four months of pre-clearance with USADA in time for the Madison Square Garden card, but it was revealed last month that the Canadian would only be cleared to fight by Dec. 10, having begun his testing Aug. 10.



Photo Credit: © Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Rousey was one of the names that was bandied around quite a bit when the New York dream first came to fruition, but now it seems more likely that she will head the UFC 207 card on Dec. 30.

Perhaps the only man who could come in now and create a buzz outside of McGregor is his last opponent's brother, Nick Diaz. However, as the NSAC would not allow him to corner his brother, Nate Diaz, back at UFC 202 due to outstanding fines, his fight status is still undetermined despite his suspension ending last month.

With so many questions surrounding the event, the only thing truly clear at this point is the big-fight feel that should be surrounding a historic event simply hasn't arrived. Not to say it will never hit, but with the clock ticking down, the arrival of the biggest show in MMA to the "Big Apple" feels like a big miss.


By Peter Carroll