Initially, the UFC 303 PPV headliner featured Michael Chandler’s big salvation. Same for Conor McGregor, who was set to face Chandler in a five-round welterweight bout. Here’s the timeline to disaster, though. ‘The Notorious’ pulls out due to a pinky toe injury and cancels all media obligations and appearances. Alex Pereira ignores his pinky hurt and saves the card.
Now, Chandler has made peace with it all. More so because he expects Conor McGregor to return soon, very soon. MMA insider Ariel Helwani had already reported the injury wasn’t severe. McGregor also insists he has a good vantage to make a quick comeback. Helwani also noticed rumors of shifting the card to the blockbuster September Noche UFC event or another numbered card. Now, ‘Iron’ hints at a similar timeline.
I was with the UFC [last night], and we’re working on some things…People can talk about my motivation for waiting. What my motivation is for sitting out for as long as I have…Sources close to Conor know that he’s going to be ready in September, August, so we can make some things happen.
Michael Chandler via UFC 303 post-fight conference
Michael Chandler kept to his promises and attended the weekend’s UFC 303 card. Fighters of the 13 bouts on the lineup attended the post-fight interview at the T-Mobile Arena. Chandler, the guest fighter, said McGregor is still “the one.” The Irishman also recently pitched in that Chandler will make ten times the substantial payout than other fights on his contract. So, it makes sense.
Additionally, it’s more of a legacy tussle now. The American lightweight hasn’t fought since 2022; McGregor hasn’t fought since his 2021 leg break. It’s more about building on their shared dynamic than chasing gold or climbing ladders. It’s about finishing the chapter. To that end, Michael Chandler is amping up the disses.
‘Inspired’ Conor McGregor trains to get back; inspires Michael Chandler to throw a diss
Alex Pereira added to his growing legend and defense of the gold at UFC 303. He defended his title on short notice by rematching Jiri Prochazka in the main event. Pereira (11-2 MMA, 8-1 UFC) maintained his throne, courtesy of head-kick and ground and pound. All that went on at “Sin City” became a major motivation multiplier for Conor McGregor.
Michael Chandler calls out Conor McGregor again (Source: agfight.com/IMAGO)Chandler (23-8 MMA, 2-3 UFC) opted to be a good sport and turn it into an International Fight Week trip. ‘Mac’ had somewhat of an appreciating tone to Pereira’s KO win. He was anxious for a return, but he did go on a colorful X tirade later on. McGregor initially commented on the left head kick that won the match. Soon after, he posted snaps of his training.
Intentionally inspired or not, the pictures have him practicing a similar ranged kick, followed by icing his injured toe. There’s no indication as to where this picture is from. It might as well be before the injury got several degrees worse. However, Michael Chandler did not pass on the chance to mock the fighter on his pinky pullout.
Chandler sent a pretty clear message, urging the Irishman to put his “big boy pants” on. He has maintained the high road and been lenial with McGregor. But no one can really blame him for the little swipes. When they return, their banter will surely tear through the roof.
