Renowned MMA journalist Ariel Helwani has raised new doubts about the highly anticipated Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler fight at UFC 303.
McGregor, known as ‘Notorious’, is set to make his comeback against Chandler in the main event scheduled for June 29. However, concerns arose after the press conference launching the fight was abruptly postponed last week.
Chandler tried to reassure fans, stating, “Yeah, the fight’s happening,” but Helwani has since delivered a troubling update just two weeks before the event in Las Vegas.
Posting on X, Helwani shared: “Latest on UFC 303: Around this time last week, anxiety about the main event seemed to ease. By Wednesday, no more feelers about replacements were being sent out. Everything appeared to be back on track. Chandler confirmed in an interview with The Pivot, and on Saturday, UFC was promoting the fight again during the ABC fight night telecast. The scare seemed over.
“But as of this morning, multiple sources report that feelers are once again being sent out for June 29, suggesting a replacement or new fight(s). In short, there’s renewed pessimism about the 303 main event.
“Actually, the pessimism seems even greater now than last Monday after the press conference was canceled at the last minute.
“Is this precaution? Due diligence? Emergency replacement mode? It’s unclear. It’s all developing again, and we’re not out of the woods yet. More updates are expected soon.”
McGregor has been out of action since his leg injury against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021. Chandler last fought in November 2022, also a loss to Poirier. A bout between McGregor and Chandler was initially teased late last year, but fans have been kept waiting for the showdown.
Credit: TalkSport
