Conor McGregor’s return to UFC is driving into limbo. Everyone wonders the same big thing about the Irishman fighting at UFC 303. The confusion and fear surround the event, all thanks to the last-minute cancellation of the UFC 303 press conference. His devout fan following and even other peers have long awaited his return. However, it affects nobody more than Michael Chandler.
Both parties were to attend a pre-fight conference at Dublin’s 3Arena to promote the June 29 UFC 303 main event. Officially, the UFC announced postponing it until notice. The fight might be still on – but the status comes off as tenuous. Irish MMA star Paul Hughes trained in South Florida with Chandler before his PFL/Bellator debut. Hughes revealed Chandler’s immediate reaction:
I’ve seen Mike yeah, Mike doesn’t stop…Mike’s in the gym every day regardless… I saw him on Monday morning, and I was like ‘Aren’t you supposed to be in Ireland?’, you know I was giving him a history lesson on Ireland and all getting him prepared…[he] really didn’t know what was going on…I honestly don’t think anybody does [have the answer], it was the McGregor camp that canceled it – everybody knows that…
Paul Hughes to Andy Stevenson (@andyste123) for SevereMMA
‘Iron’ has put on an iron nerve, yearning for this matchup for a long time. Michael Chandler coached opposite the Irishman at TUF: Season 31. Problems with USADA, finding success in his Hollywood debut, and other things led to the delay in UFC announcing the matchup. The Americans’ prolonged dedication to fulfill this matchup has been a long talking point.
Meanwhile, while the circumstances remain cryptic, conspiracy theories have surfaced regarding Conor McGregor’s part in it. None of the fighters have quelled the curiosity. Chandler even recently posted about leaving camp in South Florida and returning to Tennessee. Chandler’s distancing has started rampant speculations about UFC 303 pullouts. Camp Conor gives their side of the story.
SBG stablemate: Everything ‘fine’ with Conor McGregor despite shroud of mystery
Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler marks a special place for MMA fans. Their initiation conference and first face-to-face in Dublin was to be similarly special. Twelve hours prior to them taking the stage at 3Arena, UFC postponed the event. Listing the ‘Notorious’ had notoriously skipped on media obligations due to unforeseen circumstances.
Both Michael Chandler and Conor McGregor reported to be in top shape for UFC 303 fight (Source: IMAGO/the-sun.ie)McGregor is infamous for hyping up anticipation with such moves. But this time, it comes at the expense of certain negative connotations. This caught many off guard; Michael Chandler hasn’t fought in a while as well.
While the Kill Cliff FC striker keeps a multitude of online training snippets coming in, the Irishman doesn’t. TUF alum Brad Katona is part of a busy trifecta camp at SBG Ireland, where McGregor trains. Check out what he had to say on the matter:
🇨🇦Brad Katona trains at SBG in Ireland and he shares what he has heard regarding whether Conor McGregor is still competing at UFC 303. pic.twitter.com/o8Y6sPl86v
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) June 5, 2024
According to Katona, McGregor was in prime health up to Saturday. So whatever happened in between that and on Monday eludes everyone. Health-wise, McGregor has been fine for a while, reeling from his 2021 leg break. Often touting high kicks and his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu prowess, he showcases the stretch of his titanium shin bone in sparring. Every other month, he even posts sparring footage.
Nevertheless, the whole ordeal remains shrouded in mystery. Some injury concerns to McGregor remain the most possible reason for all the chaos and confusion. Despite a positive update from Katona, neither the UFC nor McGregor has come out and revealed the whole truth. As such, fans will have serious concerns until the Irishman enters the octagon on June 29.
