Is Conor McGregor nonetheless combating Michael Chandler at UFC 303? That’s the query after a scheduled June 3 press convention was all of a sudden referred to as off.
Each McGregor and Chandler have been set to attend the press convention at 3Arena in Dublin to advertise their UFC 303 predominant occasion on June 29 in Las Vegas. Formally, the UFC introduced that it had “postponed” the press convention about 12 hours earlier than it was set to start, with uncertainty surrounding McGregor as the explanation.
With the battle just some weeks away, it stays on – however the standing feels tenuous. Right here’s what we all know in regards to the state of affairs surrounding McGregor vs. Chandler.
June 3: McGregor points assertion, apologizes
Any doubt that McGregor was the explanation for the press convention cancellation was erased after the previous two-division UFC champion issued a press release by which he attributed the sudden flip of occasions to “a sequence of obstacles” exterior his management. What which means precisely is anyone’s guess as McGregor wasn’t particular about whether or not the explanation was associated to damage, his contract or one thing else.
In session with the UFC, todays press convention was cancelled on account of a sequence of obstacles exterior of our management. I apologize to my Irish followers, and followers around the globe, for the inconvenience and recognize all of your ardour and assist. I can’t wait to placed on the best…
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) June 3, 2024
June 3: Chandler invokes MLK in cryptic message
Stories surfaced that Chandler was on his approach to the airport to catch a flight for Dublin when he acquired a name from the UFC that the press convention was canceled.
About half-hour after McGregor issued his assertion, we heard from Chandler, who used a motivational quote from Martin Luther King Jr. to convey his emotions on X.
“The last word measure of a person just isn’t the place he stands in moments of consolation and comfort, however the place he stands at instances of problem and controversy.” Martin Luther King Jr. #UFC303–Stroll On.–See you on the prime!
June 4: Chandler leaves coaching camp
In one other potential unhealthy signal in regards to the battle not taking place, Chandler revealed on Instagram that he was leaving his camp in South Florida to go again residence to Tennessee.
June 5: ‘Nice positivity’ McGregor vs. Chandler nonetheless occurs
On Wednesday’s episode of “The MMA Hour,” host Ariel Helwani – who’s near McGregor’s camp – reported that issues are trending in the fitting route.
“The vibes on Sunday have been fairly confused. The vibes on Monday have been fairly pessimistic, and there was nervousness,” Helwani mentioned. “… I can let you know as of final night time and as of as we speak – this morning, early afternoon, it’s presently 1:10 p.m. ET – I can let you know there’s nice positivity that this battle goes ahead.”
Whereas Helwani didn’t report a particular motive for the cancellation of the press convention, he dominated out that it was attributable to “nothing unlawful, nothing salacious, no PED use, no partying, none of that.”
Ariel Helwani says there’s “nice positivity, nice optimism” relating to the #UFC303 predominant occasion.
“Is Conor McGregor going to battle Michael Chandler on June 29? My reply is sure. As of proper now. Do I do know what occurs tomorrow? No.”
▶️ #TheMMAHour pic.twitter.com/sV8tpeEIo7
— MMA Preventing (@MMAFighting) June 5, 2024
McGregor later posted a photograph on the physician’s workplace, leaning again shirtless in joggers with a smile on his face, including extra gasoline to damage hypothesis.
This publish shall be up to date as new developments unfold.
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