The mixed martial arts community awaits Conor McGregor‘s return at UFC 303. In the leadup to the fight, multiple concerns continue to exist. One of the sport’s most respected voices, Ariel Helwani, recently had some concerning news about the Irishman’s return.
In a recent social media post, Helwani revealed the current status of McGregor’s fight against Michael Chandler. He revealed the UFC 303 headliner might have some changes. Moreover, the behind-the-scenes incidents involving the McGregor vs. Chandler bout have surrounded the promotion with pessimism.
Since this morning, mutiple sources are now saying feelers are being sent out again for June 29. For a replacement and/or new fight(s). In short, there seems to pessimism all over again regarding the status of the 303 main event. Actually even more pessimism – it seems – than on Monday last week after the presser was cancelled at the last minute.
Ariel Helwani via X
The implications of Ariel Helwani’s statement were clear: the highly anticipated main event between McGregor and Michael Chandler might be in jeopardy. He, however, made it clear that the motive behind this was not known. Helwani was unsure of why to send out feelers for the main event replacement. He chalked it up to maybe an emergency replacement or just plain old insurance.
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Around this time last week, all the anxiety surrounding the UFC 303 main event seemed to start to dissipate. By Wednesday, no more feelers about replacements were being sent out. All systems seemed to be a go (again). Later in the week, Chandler did an…
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) June 11, 2024
The rumors of the main event started when the initial press conference for UFC 303 was abruptly canceled. Additionally, Michael Chandler leaving the training camp fanned the flames of these rumors. However, these dissipated after Chandler’s statement about the fight’s schedule being still on June 29. Now, Helwani’s update may cause concern for fight fans looking forward to the event.
Chael Sonnen gave his take on Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler
Few things in MMA draw as much attention as Conor McGregor stepping into the octagon. His brash persona and penchant for delivering jaw-dropping performances have captivated fans worldwide. As his long-awaited return at UFC 303 edges closer, the MMA community is abuzz with anticipation. A former fighter turned analyst, Chael Sonnen, is not holding back his opinions.Â
Chael Sonnen gives his take on Conor McGregor’s return (via Sports Illustrated/ MMA Fighting)In a recent take on his YouTube channel, Chael put the spotlight on whether McGregor will even show up at the UFC 303 headliner. The ‘American Gangster’ revealed his suspicions about the event and warned fight fans to keep their expectations low.
If Conor McGregor doesn’t show up for this, I’m here to let you know that any idea that you have that he’s still fighting, or he’s still in the business, or he wasn’t feeling good and they’re doing it another day, or he and Chandler are going to be somewhere down the road – I’m here to tell you know now, if you’re told that by anybody, you have been given bad information.
Chael Sonnen via his Official YouTube channel
Sonnen’s insight into the matter gives fight fans a deeper look into the upcoming event. Nothing official has yet come out from McGregor, his team, or the UFC brass. This remains a source of concern for fight fans who were looking forward to the return of the ‘Notorious.’
