The return of MMA star Conor McGregor against Michael Chandler is still listed as the headlining bout for UFC 303 later this month, remaining on the schedule after days of speculation from those who follow the sport.
Since early Monday, the MMA world has wondered whether a fight between former two-division champ McGregor and past Bellator titleholder Chandler would be in danger. Worries flared up for many after a press conference set for early this week at the 3Arena in Dublin, Ireland was suddenly “postponed until further notice.”
Statements from UFC and McGregor made no comment on whether the actual fight was in danger and proved to be unsatisfying for many due to the vagueness of why the presser had to be moved.
“In consultation with the UFC, todays press conference was cancelled due to a series of obstacles outside of our control,” McGregor wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter). “I apologize to my Irish fans, and fans around the world, for the inconvenience and appreciate all your passion and support. I can’t wait to put on the greatest all-time show in the Octagon.”
Little information has come out from anyone involved in the fight, causing many to worry that there is an issue behind the scenes. Small details have been revealed publicly by MMA Hour host Ariel Helwani, who has been able to provide updates throughout the week.
On Wednesday’s afternoon’s edition of The MMA Hour, Helwani said that there is current positivity about the fight taking place on its scheduled date of June 29.
“There is great positivity that this fight is going forward,” said Helwani. “As of right now, if you’re asking me straight up to shoot with you all straight up and I’m the only one doing it, is Conor McGregor going to fight Michael Chandler on June 29th? My answer is yes.”
Earlier in the week, Helwani reported that UFC had sent out feelers to potential short-notice replacements and that there was “positivity” that the fight would proceed. He mentioned Wednesday that there is more optimism now around the fight than there was earlier in the week.
“Based on everything that I have heard, that people are feeling good about this … I think that the vibes have changed and there’s positivity.”
While the fight between McGregor and Chandler doesn’t mean too much for the welterweight division, it is currently lined up as one of the most high-profile UFC bouts of the year. It is the top fight for the promotion’s annual “International Fight Week,” a card in Las Vegas, Nevada that is known for presenting some of the top bouts of the year.
The fight has large amounts of interest due to it being McGregor’s return after the longest absence in his entire career as a professional fighter. “The Notorious” has been out of the cage since suffering a pair of losses to Dustin Poirier in 2021, including an appearance that ended with him breaking an ankle.
UFC 303 will be sorely in need of a major fight if McGregor and Chandler depart the show. The welterweight showdown is currently the sole five-round bout on the card, with McGregor’s presence being used in a spot that’s usually reserved for world title fights. The second-highest bout in the lineup is currently a fight between former light heavyweight champ Jamahal Hill and Carlos Ulberg.
