Nothing feels bigger than the return of Conor McGregor at this point. Out on a sabbatical since his 2021 injury loss, he is to return at UFC 303. Late Sunday, UFC issued a statement announcing that UFC 303’s pre-fight press conference in Dublin, Ireland is off. The news came at 5 AM (Sun., June 2, 2024), hinting at premeditated knowledge of it. Now, the removal of all “McGregor” content from their official grind has the MMA clique even more worried.
On Monday, ESPN Deportes MMA journos noted to KOlmenero that McGregor might be dealing with a “minor injury.” There was also speculation of alcohol or substance abuse, given his usual abrasive displays. The Irishman is to meet Michael Chandler on June 29 in the feature main event of UFC 303. It’s a fight Chandler has been yearning for 18 months, ever since their “TUF: Season 31” days.
Conor McGregor did, however, later issue a minimalistic statement, apologizing for the cancellation at 3Arena. Moreover, MMA insider and esteemed journo Ariel Helwani (for MMAFighting on SBN) confirmed it wasn’t due to some alcohol-fueled or PED usage. However, now comes yet another curveball; UFC’s social media has made all McGregor video montages private. They usually post highlights and “On This Day in History” video segments to commemorate fighters before upcoming fights.
Moreover, ESPN MMA’s grind of UFC Fight Pass (@ufcfightpass) has allegedly deactivated widgets for the upcoming event. Fans will no longer be able to pre-purchase UFC 303 through ESPN+, at least for a stipulated while. There could be a variety of reasons for this; the active riots in Dublin could be one. McGregor suffering injuries or a failed contractual rehash could be as well. However, the matter does not bode well for expectant fans.
Fight fans react to removal of all things “Conor McGregor” before his return
McGregor (22-6 MMA, 10-4 UFC) is to return on June 29 against Michael Chandler in the UFC 303 main event. Yet all things have subsequently gone downhill on the subject. As recently as Saturday, UFC CEO Dana White said he would fly to Dublin immediately after UFC 302 on Saturday to meet McGregor on Sunday. Yet, the pre-fight conference was shockingly delayed.
Conor McGregor (Source: irishmirror.ie)Many insider sources have confirmed that the fight is still a go. There hasn’t been any prominent leak or snippet to prove otherwise. However, ESPN’s website and streaming platforms are no longer promoting #UFC303 as part of the UFC-ESPNA MMA grind. Here’s what fans think about it.
What’s that about 🤷♂️
— zachorama (@zachorama_) June 4, 2024
Looks like Conor McGregor is not fighting on UFC 303 then.. 👀
— XETINFO MMA (@xetinfomma) June 4, 2024
what would this have to do with 303? just curious
— Nathan (@nateyyyo) June 4, 2024
This takes 20 seconds to be proven false…
— Cam (@MMADaysDigest) June 4, 2024
Yeah you could & get the early bird $10 discount
— MMA Joey (@MMAJOEYC) June 4, 2024
Are you trolling for engagement or what? I’m genuinely curious? I looked up UFC 303 purchase and was able to get to the checkout screen in less than 2 minutes on ESPN+.
— tsteak (@s02705576) June 4, 2024
Something is absolutely going on
— Leaf Clover (@leafclover8891) June 4, 2024
This is odd.
— Stephen A. Bayless (@StephenABayIess) June 4, 2024
303 is looking awful without this fight
— Sam- SW FIGHT HUB (@swfighthub) June 4, 2024
A selected few have debunked this to be not true and even blamed the MMA coverage sites for clickbait news. However, a handful of others dread the worst, given it’s happening to them as well. Accordingly, some have also tactfully poised the “so what” question.
UFC rolls in its 12th International Fight Week from June 24-30, Nevada, LV. ‘The Notorious’ had been such a drawing factor that it broke UFC’s long-standing record with a projected $20 million in live gate pre-sales. Moreover, according to Ticketmaster.ie, the home turf press conference sold out all spots due to being a two-per-account limit sales.
There has been no official confirmation or denial yet. The fanbase is angsty about the return of the consensus sports icon after three whole years; whether true or false, the event looks empty without Mcgregor.
