The MMA world held its collective breath for over 14 hours. This came as Conor McGregor remained tight-lipped after his UFC 303 kickoff press conference in Dublin was abruptly canceled. But the ‘Notorious’ has finally broken his silence and so has his opponent, Michael Chandler.
Conor McGregor took to social media to make an apology to the fans who were excited about the event. He revealed that unforeseen circumstances had caused the cancellation of the presser.
In consultation with the UFC, todays press conference was cancelled due to a series of obstacles outside of our control. I apologize to my Irish fans, and fans around the world, for the inconvenience and appreciate all your passion and support. I can’t wait to put on the greatest all-time show in the Octagon.
Conor McGregor via X
McGregor’s opponent, Michael Chandler did quote Martin Luther King Jr. in a tweet of his own. He did not address the cancellation as such. However, this post from Chandler came shortly after McGregor’s apology post. Some felt this could be a shot at McGregor’s no-show.
The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. Martin Luther King Jr. #UFC303 – Walk On. – See you at the top!
michael Chandler on X
In consultation with the UFC, todays press conference was cancelled due to a series of obstacles outside of our control. I apologize to my Irish fans, and fans around the world, for the inconvenience and appreciate all your passion and support. I can’t wait to put on the greatest…
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) June 3, 2024
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” Martin Luther King Jr. #UFC303
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Walk On.
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See you at the top! pic.twitter.com/uVj6BfJPnv— Michael Chandler (@MikeChandlerMMA) June 3, 2024
The future of UFC 303’s main event remains uncertain. For now, McGregor claims he still wants to put on the “greatest all-time show.” Only time will tell what ups and downs this fight will take fight fans through.
Top MMA journalist sheds light on the UFC 303 presser cancellation
The MMA world was set ablaze with speculation after the last-minute cancellation of the UFC 303 kickoff press conference in Dublin. But according to Ariel Helwani, fans can put away their tinfoil hats as there’s no juicy drama behind the postponement.
Ariel Helwani reveals mundane reason for cancellation (via Sports Illustrated/ Sporting News)On his show The MMA Hour, Helwani poured some cold water on the rampant rumors and theories. He revealed that the cancellation was due to some mundane issues and no raucous story was the reason.
There is no salacious story. There is no great drama. There is no great theater. There’s no story, nothing gonna come out…Nothing of that sort…I can tell you that the press conference was postponed today due to an issue that has precluded it from happening. And so, the question now is A, are they going to pick a new day? And of course on everyone’s mind is will this affect June 29th?…As of this second…June 29th is still on.
Ariel Helwani via The MMA Hour
According to Helwani’s sources, the presser was not canceled due to any failed drug tests, McGregor’s criminal controversies, or any shocking injuries. This was just a case of good old logistical snags. Helwani did note the big question remains whether this presser postponement will impact the June 29 UFC 303 pay-per-view itself. As of now, he says the McGregor vs. Chandler main event is still a go.
