Dread over Conor McGregor’s return against Michael Chander has returned, as the UFC 303 main event appears to be in serious jeopardy.
After a roller-coaster week which saw the abrupt cancellation of a Dublin press conference that raised doubts about McGregor’s fight against Chandler taking place, followed by optimism that the fight was still on, there are fresh worries that the June 29 main event is once again in jeopardy.
“The positivity that I talked about exactly one week ago today is nowhere to be found. It’s pessimism,” UFC insider Ariel Helwani said on “The MMA Hour” on Wednesday afternoon. “They’re [UFC] putting out feelers, they’re making offers. This is where we stand, and it’s in great limbo … it’s not looking good.”
Helwani had already reported Tuesday that UFC had begun its fallback plans, touching base with fighters regarding “replacement and/or new fight(s).”
“Is this insurance? Due diligence? Emergency replacement mode? Remains to be seen,” Helwani said in an X pos. “It’s all developing (again). But it doesn’t appear as though we are out of the woods either way just yet. More to come, and hopefully a definitive answer one way or the other In short order.”
Heads turned when the Dublin press conference on June 4 was canceled on just 12 hours’ notice, as fans broke out in a frenzy speculating that the fight was off.
They also became acutely aware that ESPN halted advertising for UFC 303, convincing fans even further that the highly anticipated main event would be postponed.
Helwani reported on June 4 there was “positivity” in McGregor-Chandler still happening, but that UFC “have sent out feelers to see who might be able to fill in, either as a replacement or an entirely new fight at the top of the bill.”
Chandler then shared a cryptic message on social media that further cast doubt on the bout.
“If you’re looking for me, I’ll be out in Tennessee. No way out of the life we chose,” Chandler, 38, wrote on June 5. “Walk On. See you at the top!”
After the dust settled from the chaos, things seemed like things had been trending up.
Helwani reported there was more optimism that McGregor-Chandler would happen at UFC 303 and even Chandler appeared on “The Pivot” Podcast with Ryan Clark saying that the fight was happening.
However, the latest report further dampens the mood of what is expected to be one of the biggest fights in UFC history.
It is unclear what the hold-up is for the latest source of pessimism; Helwani has stopped short of divulging the reasons for the potential cancellation.
UFC YouTube promotions for the June 29 main event are still running, but larger concerns have yet to be mitigated.
Meanwhile, McGregor has maintained his usual self-indulgent social media presence.
“See ya’s soon… @ufc” read the conclusion of his second-latest Instagram post with the fighter in an octagon.
McGregor hasn’t fought since breaking his leg in a loss to Dustin Poirier in UFC 264 — almost three years ago.
The hype surrounding the Irishman’s return was augmented via him coaching prospects in “The Ultimate Fighter” Season 31, which aired last summer.
According to UFC president Dana White, the gate for this month’s event in Las Vegas has already surpassed $20 million, which would be a sport record.
McGregor is responsible for many of the highest-grossing fights in UFC history, including McGregor-Nurmagomedov at UFC 229 in October 2018.
UFC 303 figures to be a capstone on a tremendous month for combat sports, including UFC 302 on June 1, Gervonta Davis vs. Frank Martin on June 15 and UFC Fight Night: Whittaker vs. Chimaev on June 22 from Riyadih, Saudi Arabia.
If McGregor can no longer fight Chandler, White and the UFC may have to scrap the welterweight matchup altogether, finding a new main card.
Other fights scheduled for June 29 include former light heavyweight champion No. 3 Jamahal Hill taking on No. 11 Carlos Ulberg, plus undefeated No. 7 Ian Machado Garry dueling with newly minted sensation No. 14 Michael Venom Page.
