The situation surrounding McGregor’s showdown with Chandler on June 29 has been rife with uncertainty. From initial doubts on Sunday, to a genuine possibility of cancellation by Monday, and utter confusion by Tuesday, the status of the fight has remained elusive. MMA journalist Ariel Helwani’s report on Wednesday hinted at a more optimistic outlook, yet the reasons behind the ‘will-they-won’t-they?’ saga have been shrouded in secrecy, fueling rampant speculation.
While it may be unfair to suggest McGregor’s absence was ever a real possibility, the sudden cancellation of a pre-fight press conference on Monday, coupled with McGregor’s cryptic remarks about “obstacles outside of our control,” fueled further conjecture.
One plausible theory, though speculative, suggests McGregor may have sustained a minor injury on Sunday, necessitating evaluation on Monday, with subsequent days revealing it to be inconsequential. McGregor has a history of fighting through injuries but has never withdrawn from a scheduled bout due to injury. However, as he ages and recuperates from a significant leg injury sustained in his last fight against Dustin Poirier in July 2021, he may be reconsidering his approach.
McGregor’s anticipated return, after a series of setbacks including a broken leg, has been eagerly awaited since the announcement of his bout with Chandler in February 2023. Despite delays and uncertainties, the fight was confirmed for UFC 303 in April 2024, with both fighters set to compete at a higher weight class than usual.
The lead-up to the fight has been marked by unusual announcements and cancellations, including a Dublin press conference that was abruptly called off, leaving fans bewildered and raising doubts about the event’s fate. McGregor’s recent social media posts and Chandler’s cryptic Instagram update have added to the intrigue surrounding the bout.
In the absence of traditional promotional events, the anticipation and speculation surrounding McGregor’s return have only intensified, underscoring the enduring drama that surrounds the Irish fighter. As fans grapple with uncertainty, the build-up to UFC 303 has taken on a heightened level of drama, fitting for McGregor’s larger-than-life persona.
