One of the biggest planned fights of the year could be in jeopardy. The UFC 303 main event between Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler has conspiracy theories galore surrounding it after the press conference was mysteriously cancelled this week with no legitimate reason why.
Well connected members of the media had already travelled to Dublin, where the press conference was supposed to be taking place, only to be told that the presser was off and would be rescheduled for a later date. Adam Catterall, who works for TNT Sports spoke on his Fight Disciples podcast stating that he had travelled to Dublin but wasn’t given a reason as to why the scheduled press conference was cancelled. His co-host and fellow TNT presenter, Nick Peet admitted that he is “50/50” on whether the fight goes ahead during international fight week at the end of the month.
Both men suggested that there’s a good chance that there could be a reshuffle in the UFC 303 main event. Potentially both men could be removed from the card and the UFC would require a new, mega headliner for international fight week.
In your opinion, does McGregor vs Chandler actually go down at UFC 303?
— MMASucka (@MMASucka) June 4, 2024
Potential Cancellation Reasons
There are a whole host of reasons that the UFC made the decision to cancel the scheduled press conference between McGregor and Chandler, none of which have yet been proven, so we can only speculate. McGregor himself has stated that it’s an issue that is out of both his and the UFC’s control. Further speculation has circled as ESPN have removed the adds on their website and cable TV for McGregor’s clash with Chandler.
Injury
Let’s not forget, McGregor is coming off a devastating leg break. At 35 years of age, he’s been inactive for three years and has hardly been sticking to a strict training schedule throughout that time. Could the man who has never pulled out of a fight previously be forced out this time?
PED Usage
Again, this is not confirmation, nor is it even remotely rumoured. With that being said, this has shades of Jon Jones vs Alexander Gustafsson 2. On this occasion, there was plenty of rumours circulating around the fight being cancelled and what came out was that Jones popped hot for a banned substance (albeit a picogram), forcing the event to move from Las Vegas to California on a weeks notice.
Legal Issues
In case you’ve been completely unaware, Conor McGregor isn’t adverse to having run ins with law enforcement. From bus attacks and speeding offences to multiple sexual assault allegations, McGregor isn’t ever far away from controversy. Again, there is no suggestion that either McGregor or Chandler have had a run in with the law, but there’s always a possibility.
