Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler fight canceled two weeks before UFC 303

Conor McGregor’s comeback fight has been canceled, just two weeks before he faces Michael Chandler at UFC 303.

McGregor hasn’t fought since breaking his leg in a July 2021 loss, but he was expected to return to the Octagon on June 29. However, Las Vegas’ main event fight against Chandler was canceled after the Irishman suffered an injury.

In the new main event of UFC 303, taking place at T-Mobile Arena, Alex Pereira will defend his light heavyweight title in a rematch with Jiri Prochazka. Additionally, Jamahal Hill is missing his co-main event against Carlos Ulberg; the new co-main event pits Brian Ortega against Diego Lopes, while Ulberg fights Anthony Smith.

This news comes after a wave of speculation caused by the cancellation at short notice of a press conference in Dublin on June 3. The UFC offered no explanation after canceling the press conference.

In the days that followed, both McGregor and Chandler shared cryptic posts on social media, with the latter suggesting in an interview that the fight would go ahead.

McGregor, 35, has not won a fight since January 2020. In his last outing, he broke his leg against Dustin Poirier, six months after losing to his former rival by knockout.

Meanwhile, Chandler last fought in November 2022, losing to Poirier via submission. The 38-year-old American last won a fight in May 2022.

McGregor vs. Chandler was originally announced for February 2023. The two men then served as opposing coaches in last year’s season. The Ultimate Fighter, a UFC reality TV show. Chandler’s team of fighters comfortably beat McGregor’s team during the season.

McGregor is a former featherweight and lightweight champion, having held both titles simultaneously in the UFC. Meanwhile, Chandler held the Bellator lightweight belt three times before joining the UFC in late 2019. However, the two men were expected to face off at welterweight, where McGregor traded wins with Nate Diaz in 2016 and defeated Donald Cerrone in 2020.