Are we ever going to see Conor McGregor back in the Octagon?
UFC President Dana White delivered a significant announcement on Thursday evening, stating that the highly anticipated headliner between Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler at UFC 303 has been canceled. This announcement came after McGregor sustained an injury shortly before a scheduled press conference in Dublin earlier in June.
The event, set to take place on June 29 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, was expected to mark McGregor’s much-awaited return to the octagon following his 2021 loss to Dustin Poirier. Unfortunately, this injury has now delayed McGregor’s comeback, postponing one of the year’s most awaited fights.
In light of McGregor’s withdrawal, Dana White revealed changes to the UFC 303 lineup. He confirmed that the event would now be headlined by a compelling matchup between current UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira and Ji?í Procházka. “Conor McGregor is out of 303 vs. Michael Chandler with an injury,” White stated in a video, using the opportunity to promote the new main event featuring Pereira and Procházka.
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Ariel Helwani of the MMA Hour reported that efforts are underway to reschedule the McGregor-Chandler fight for a later date in 2024.
Although no specific date has been set, there is optimism within the UFC for a potential rescheduling in August or September of next year. This adjustment was officially decided approximately 48 hours before White’s announcement.
Additionally, White shared more changes affecting the UFC 303 card. He announced that Jamahal Hill, who was also scheduled to fight, has suffered a knee injury. Carlos Ulberg will step in on short notice to face Anthony Smith as Hill’s replacement.
Furthermore, an exciting matchup between Diego Lopes and Brian Ortega has been added to the event, rounding out what promises to still be a thrilling card despite the setbacks.
