UFC 302: Makhachev vs Poirier, live from Prudential Center in Newark, rolls out this weekend. As of writing this, the Fight Week Media Day interview is on full blast even. Yet, all eyes go elsewhere at UFC 303. As the MMA clique awaits the return of Conor McGregor, fans are reminded why he remains ‘The Notorious.’
CEO and taskmaster Dana White announced a while back that McGregor and Michael Chandler will take the stage at the 3Arena in Dublin. The duo return to action in a five-round welterweight headliner at UFC 303. Head honcho White said the tickets would go free. Right after International Fight Week 2024 pre-sale Sweepstakes, McGregor hinted at the affair.
During back-to-back Kick Livestream Q&A Sessions with duelbits.com and The MacLife, the Irishman teased that big things were coming at the start of June. He also mentioned it would be something on a global scale: an Irish tour on home turf! The promotion had similarly done global tours in 2015, visiting both Dublin and Rio de Janeiro. His pre-fight pressers gave way to his epic rivalry with then-featherweight king Jose Aldo.
McGregor vs. Floyd Mayweather pressers were also incredible. His ‘notorious’ pre-fight antics with the ‘King of Rio’ served as a blueprint for many fighters doubling on trash-talking. Even current featherweight king Ilia Topuria doused himself as the next, better “McGregor” by snatching the rival’s belt similarly. According to recent reports, the press conference sold out The 3Arena in 9 minutes! The “Conor McGregor” effect is already in swing in full force.
What to expect out of International Fight Week and UFC 303
UFC celebrates its 12th International Fight Week from June 24-30 in Las Vegas. Consequently, there’s much to look forward to. The week-long celebration will feature UFC 303, UFC Hall of Fame inductions, and, concurrently, UFC X. Alongside, nothing feels as big as the return of consensus sports icon Conor McGregor.
Conor McGregor caps off all selling points of International Fight Week (Source: irishmirror.ie/X)The 35-year-old’s return at UFC 303 on June 29 remains the biggest upscale event to date. In fact, his return has already capped off a projected $20 million in live gate buyouts. This was before the International Fight Week “Dream Week” pre-sale Sweepstakes went live.
McGregor (22-6 MMA, 10-4 UFC) takes part in a pre-fight press conference in Dublin, Ireland, on June 3. The presser commences at noon ET/9 a.m. PT. Tickets went live on the official website and Ticketmaster. Although tickets were free, fans wishing to attend the event had to purchase tickets on Ticketmaster due to demand. It was a two-per-account limit to try to prevent people from buying them to resell. The arena sold out within minutes.
Now, even an account on X (@AndyHickeyMMA) prominently notes that the press conference has limited seats available. The SBG Ireland Team staple’s return has drawn in the crowds like never before. The conference itself might have history-making implications.
