UFC 303 is probably the most anticipated card of the year. However, some logistical problems seem to have plagued the main event. Former featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski has given his two cents on the matter of what the future holds if superstar Conor McGregor withdraws from the main event of UFC 303.
Alexander Volkanovski recently made a public appearance in his home country of Australia. ‘The Great’ is currently on a sabbatical from MMA. As such, he revealed no fight bookings for the foreseeable future. Soon, Volkanovski couldn’t make himself turn down an opportunity to headline UFC 303 on short notice due to McGregor’s withdrawal.
You’re hearing all these whispers, what’s going on with Conor McGregor and what not… Maybe they need a late notice replacement again, so I’m always keen to throw my hand up.
Alexander Volkanovski via Submission Radio
Rumors have flooded the social media sphere about Conor McGregor’s alleged withdrawal from the event. The recent cancellation of the presser in Ireland stoked the flames even more. The card needs a major star attraction if McGregor pulls out. There are only a handful of fighters who will take on short-notice challenges. Volkanovski remains the most prominent one among them.
Alexander Volkanovski says he’s “always keen to throw his hand up” in regards to stepping in on short notice to save #UFC303 🙋♂️👀
“You’re hearing all these whispers, what’s going on with Conor McGregor and what not…
Maybe they need a late notice replacement again, so I’m… pic.twitter.com/iOCXgtqcLl
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) June 5, 2024
Volkanovski had accepted a short-notice fight against reigning lightweight champion Islam Makhachev back at UFC 294. This did not end well for him, as he got knocked out in the first round. Volkanovski had vowed not to take short-notice fights again. But apparently the appeal of fighting at the highly anticipated UFC 303 was too much to resist.
Top MMA journalist reveals worrying information about UFC 303 main event
The MMA world is abuzz with concerning rumblings surrounding the highly-anticipated UFC 303 main event between Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler. Veteran journalist Ariel Helwani recently stoked the speculation fires. He hinted at behind-the-scenes chaos that could jeopardize the marquee matchup.
Ariel Helwani gives an update on UFC 303 (via Sports Illustrated/ Bleacher Report)Helwani disclosed in a recent social media post that the UFC had begun putting out “feelers” to gauge potential replacement options. June’s International Fight Week fight card will likely need a massive headliner.
No news at the moment. The hope is still that the fight is on. There is positivity, I’d say. But they have sent out feelers to see who might be able to fill in, either as a replacement or an entirely new fight at the top of the bill. Still developing, and still some time.
Ariel Helwani via X
No news at the moment.
The hope is still that the fight is on. There is positivity, I’d say. But they have sent out feelers to see who might be able to fill in, either as a replacement or an entirely new fight at the top of the bill. Still developing, and still some time. https://t.co/zsAsM0AMFa
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) June 4, 2024
Conor McGregor had issued an apology for the cancellation of the presser, citing reasons beyond his control. However, this still fanned the flames of a potential problem with the main event. Helwani’s revelations have instilled more rampant speculation of potential fight withdrawals. Only time will tell if the UFC 303 main event would be good to go.
