UFC 303 is one of the most highly awaited UFC events yet in 2024. This was because Dana White and the UFC’s biggest superstar Conor McGregor was finally making his comeback after years outside the Octagon. However, with the canceled press conference in Ireland and other succeeding events, fans are unsure if they will get to see ‘The Notorious’ back in action anytime soon. Prominent MMA journalist Ariel Helwani had a few insights on why the promotion has been delaying UFC 303.
Ariel Helwani recently put out a tweet on X. He wrote about why there has been no definitive answer to the upcoming UFC 303 showdown involving Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler.
UFC is not intentionally trying to drag out this 303 saga. They are burning the midnight oil trying to find a replacement solution. The issue is there aren’t a ton of options available right now. If there was they would have announced it all already and moved on.
Ariel Helwani on X
The canceled press conference in Dublin was the first big red flag. ‘The Notorious’ addressed the situation citing a series of obstacles outside their control. He did promise a fight stating he could not wait to put on the “greatest all-time show” in the octagon.
UFC is not intentionally trying to drag out this 303 saga.
They are burning the midnight oil trying to find a replacement solution. The issue is there aren’t a ton of options available right now. If there was they would have announced it all already and moved on.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) June 13, 2024
Nonetheless, Helwani speculates that Dana White has not found any fighters who would step up for the job. If the promotion is looking for backup, that would mean problems are going on in the background that nobody is willing to officially address just yet. Whatever the case may be, it definitely begs a very important question: Is the fight still on?
Is Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler even happening?
UFC 303 is just a few weeks away from its due date. So does that mean Conor McGregor vs Michael Chandler is off the charts? Ariel Helwani suggests that this could likely be the case.
Conor McGregor, Michael Chandler (Source: tmz.com/Instagram)Helwani had previously reported that the UFC had reached out for substitute fighters. McGregor vs. Chandler was the main event of UFC 303. This meant Dana White was seeking two other fighters or one to replace what could very well be McGregor in this oncoming event. Michael Chandler was all ready to get on a plane and fly to Dublin for the press conference so he is unlikely to be the issue here.
It’s not 100% off but I’d be extremely surprised at this point if it remains and they are actively negotiating with multiple camps to find a replacement. It’s all up in the air still but they are proceeding at this time like they need a replacement. https://t.co/eAPXGs7KmJ
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) June 13, 2024
Conor McGregor has never pulled out of a fight, let alone an announced one. However, the injured foot from UFC 264 and the unpredictable injuries that have forced so many fighters to pull out in the last minute could definitely be probable factors. It will be interesting to see how the series of events play out leading up to the fight this June at the T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada.
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