Conor McGregor will no longer be facing Michael Chandler at UFC 303 on June 29, as confirmed by UFC president Dana White. McGregor, who was slated to headline the event, had to withdraw due to an injury, marking the first time in his UFC career that he has pulled out of a fight. In place of the McGregor vs. Chandler matchup, the new main event will be a light heavyweight title fight between Alex Pereira and Jiří Procházka. Additionally, two more fights have been announced for the card: Diego Lopes vs. Brian Ortega in the co-main event and Carlos Ulberg vs. Anthony Smith in a light heavyweight bout after Jamahal Hill’s withdrawal due to injury.
McGregor, who was set to make his return to competition for the first time since his leg injury in July 2021, has faced a series of setbacks in his recent fights. The former featherweight and lightweight champion has struggled with a record of 1-3 in his last four appearances, including losses to Dustin Poirier and Khabib Nurmagomedov. The cancellation of the June fight with Chandler adds to the disappointing chapter in McGregor’s comeback journey.
The matchup between McGregor and Chandler has been highly anticipated, with Chandler calling out McGregor in 2022. The two were set to coach against each other on “The Ultimate Fighter” reality series in early 2023, but the fight date was only confirmed earlier this year. Issues with the UFC’s former drug testing partner, the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), also played a role in delaying the fight, with McGregor’s situation reportedly leading to the dissolution of the UFC program with USADA.
McGregor, known for his bold claims and promises, had vowed to make a triumphant return to the Octagon this year, declaring it the start of the “Greatest Comeback in Sports History.” A public news conference was scheduled with McGregor and Chandler in Dublin, but the event was abruptly canceled, sparking speculation about the status of the fight. Meanwhile, Chandler, who last fought in November 2022 against Poirier, has expressed interest in potential bouts against Nate Diaz and Max Holloway.
The cancellation of the McGregor vs. Chandler fight at UFC 303 is a major disappointment for fans and a setback for both fighters. The changes to the event lineup have shifted the spotlight to new matchups, leaving audiences eager to see how the card unfolds. McGregor’s journey to redemption and Chandler’s pursuit of challenging opponents continue to be a focal point in the MMA world, as they navigate the highs and lows of professional fighting.
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