McGregor's Comeback Fight Canceled
UFC 303 Shake-Up and New Main Event
Conor McGregor's much-anticipated return to the Octagon has been canceled, just two weeks before he was set to face Michael Chandler at UFC 303.
Injury Halts McGregor's Return
McGregor, who has not fought since breaking his leg in a July 2021 defeat, was scheduled to fight Chandler in Las Vegas on 29 June. However, an injury has forced McGregor to withdraw from the event.
UFC 303 Main Event Changes
The cancellation of McGregor vs. Chandler has led to a reshuffling of the UFC 303 card. The new main event at the T-Mobile Arena will feature Alex Pereira defending the light-heavyweight title in a rematch against Jiri Prochazka. Additionally, Jamahal Hill's withdrawal from his co-main event against Carlos Ulberg has resulted in Brian Ortega facing Diego Lopes, with Ulberg now fighting Anthony Smith.
Speculation and Cryptic Messages
The news of McGregor's injury follows a period of speculation, triggered by the last-minute cancellation of a Dublin press conference on 3 June. The UFC provided no explanation for the abrupt cancellation, leading to widespread conjecture. In the days that followed, both McGregor and Chandler posted cryptic messages on social media, with Chandler hinting in an interview that the fight might still proceed.
McGregor's Fighting History
McGregor, 35, has not won a bout since January 2020. His last fight ended with a broken leg against Dustin Poirier, six months after a knockout loss to the same opponent. Meanwhile, Chandler last fought in November 2022, losing to Poirier by submission. The American, 38, last secured a victory in May 2022.
The Ultimate Fighter Rivalry
The McGregor vs. Chandler fight was announced in February 2023. The two fighters served as opposing coaches on the latest season of The Ultimate Fighter, a UFC reality TV show. Over the course of the season, Chandler's team of fighters outperformed McGregor's.
McGregor and Chandler's Career Highlights
McGregor is a former featherweight and lightweight champion, having held both titles simultaneously in the UFC. Chandler, on the other hand, is a former three-time Bellator lightweight champion who joined the UFC in late 2019. The canceled fight was set to take place at welterweight, a division where McGregor has previously competed against Nate Diaz and Donald Cerrone.
