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UFC 303, scheduled for June 29, 2024, from in Las Vegas, Nev., should be the biggest fight card of the year.
Every summer, UFC hosts a special “International Fight Week.” It’s the most high-profile few days in the sport. There are Hall of Fame inductions, special events, and the cherry on top is always a major pay-per-view (PPV) event. It’s the perfect setting for the return of Conor McGregor, the largest super star in mixed martial arts (MMA) history.
McGregor has been away from the cage for most of three years, the consequence of a disastrous leg break in his trilogy match up versus Dustin Poirier. The pressure is on the former champion, who hasn’t won a fight since his Jan. 2020 drubbing of Donald Cerrone (watch here). Between the leg injury, general aging, and all the partying, questions surround McGregor’s ability to perform at this stage of the game.
In just about three weeks, McGregor should be fighting Michael Chandler, an exciting knockout artist and wrestling ace who stood opposite McGregor while filming The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) last year. Chandler put his career on hold chasing this match up, sitting out for 19 months in pursuit of “Notorious.”
Now, it might all be falling apart.
Earlier this week, McGregor canceled all upcoming media obligations at the very last second, including a planned presser in McGregor’s home of Dublin, Ireland. No explanation was issued, other than a vague “obstacles outside of our control” from the Irish talent.
Since then, rumors have spread like wildfire. Drug and legal problems were ruled out, but a report of a minor injury gained traction. The situation grew more desperate when another report revealed that UFC was looking into possible replacements for UFC 303’s main event and sending out “feelers” for a headliner. Then, Chandler abandoned his fight camp in Florida, returning to his home in Nashville, Tennessee. UFC CEO, Dana White, refused to address the issue directly, issuing some fight announcements for a future card instead.
All signs were pointing toward cancelation, and all the fans who dropped thousands of dollars to attend UFC 303 were not happy with the murkiness.
Fortunately, there’s now a glimmer of hope. Veteran mixed martial arts (MMA) reporter, Ariel Helwani, announced “great positivity” that the fight would happen as scheduled. In addition, the official T-Mobile Arena X account posted about McGregor’s return, which was a really positive sign after other social media outlets when quiet regarding the match up.
Finally, a wide-smiling McGregor himself posted a flexing photo on Instagram, offering up another bit of optimism.
In summary, the situation is still fluid, but at the moment, it seems like McGregor will indeed make his return at UFC 303. Hopefully, more information will release in the near future about this alleged “minor injury” or those “obstacles” McGregor mentioned.
If there are/were any at all?
To checkout the latest UFC 303 fight card and rumors click here.
