Conor McGregor will not compete at UFC 303 after all. The MMA’s superstar injury stalled a much-anticipated return against Michael Chandler on June 29 in Las Vegas. After days of swirling speculation, the news led to a massive overhaul of the event. ‘Iron’ Michael Chandler has sat on the sidelines for two years; now he pens an emotional statement about the UFC 303 PPV scratch.
Chandler remains upbeat as CEO Dana White beats around the uncertainty over McGregor’s fighting future. The top honcho is keen on helping the American fighter in any way possible. In the meantime, the Team Kill Cliff FC striker hopes that the showdown with ‘The Notorious’ will take shape someday. In the uncertainty that followed, he posted a lengthy Instagram reel on the matter.
So what do I do now? A little bit of uncertainty in my life..Don’t you dare disrespect me by feeling sorry for me. Don’t you dare disrespect me by having any kind of sympathy. Be emboldened by my situation…
Michael Chandler via IG reels (@mikechandlermma)
Anyone who ever trains for a fight goes through a block of peak anticipation and minimizes the risk of injury. Chandler mentions a certain angst on getting the news at that very last moment in his camp; he admits there’s a lot of uncertainty. There were talks of pinpointing a return date. But White told Sports Business Journal that he won’t rebook UFC 303’s showdown until McGregor completely recovers.
Almost 18 months passed since Chandler last filmed and hiked through home trails in Nashville, TN, prepping for Conor McGregor. Trekking through what he calls the “Stairs of Death” (as he once told fitness influencer Jesse James West), he urges to be emboldened by his steadfastness. Nothing changes for the 38-year-old as he tries hitching his dreams. White predicts that would be a tenuous and lengthy ordeal.
Dana White: ‘Poor’ Michael Chandler likely to stall on ‘Notorious’ return
Chandler is still hedging all his bets into one basket. The return event of Conor McGregor capped off a projected $20 million in gate sales even without trying! When there’s profitability once, there can be yet again. There’s no denying McGregor’s superstardom, and the extra slice of fame fighters make facing him. However, Chandler will have to wait a while more for the 35-year-old Irishman.
Michael Chandler, Conor McGregor (Source: heavy.com/UFC.go.com)After withdrawing from the UFC 303 headliner, McGregor has said he’ll fight again. However, the nature or the extent of his injury isn’t made privy yet. Hence, Chandler (23-8 MMA, 2-3 UFC) will have to exercise more patience as he waits to end their hiatus. White still expects Michael Chandler’s next fight to be vs. ‘Mac.’ Check out what the UFC CEO said below.
Dana White says Michael Chandler wants to wait for Conor McGregor:
“I think poor Chandler wants to wait for Conor McGregor man.
If he wants to get a fight this summer, we’ll do whatever he wants. He’s one of the greatest athletes I’ve ever worked with.”
🎥 @jimrome #UFC303… pic.twitter.com/g1SGCV3cBs
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) June 17, 2024
Chandler released a lengthy statement asking fans not to be sorry about the long wait. He hasn’t fought since a submission loss to Dustin Poirier in November 2022. Since TUF season 31 aired, he has waited for the chance to fight McGregor. Knowing White’s aptitude to maintain legacy bouts, he will try to make it happen. As such, however disheartening the course, he promises to support Chandler in any way.
