Conor McGregor vs Michael Chandler cancelled two weeks before UFC 303

McGregor has not fought since breaking his leg in July 2021 but was due to return on 29 June

Alex Pattle
Combat Sports Correspondent
Friday 14 June 2024 14:39 BST
Comments
Dwayne Johnson's transformation into Mark Kerr is stunning.

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Conor McGregor’s comeback fight has been cancelled, just two weeks before he was due to face Michael Chandler at UFC 303.

McGregor has not fought since breaking his leg in a July 2021 defeat but he was set to return to the Octagon on 29 June. However, the Las Vegas main event against Chandler has now been cancelled after the Irishman suffered an injury.

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

The news comes after a spell of speculation, caused by the short-notice cancellation of a Dublin press conference on 3 June. The UFC offered no explanation after calling off the press conference.

In the days that followed, McGregor and Chandler both 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 bout since January 2020. In his last outing, he sustained a broken leg against Dustin Poirier, six months after losing to his old rival by knockout.

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

McGregor vs Chandler was initially announced in February 2023. The pair went on to serve as opposing coaches on last year’s season of The Ultimate Fighter, a UFC reality TV show. Chandler’s team of fighters comfortably beat McGregor’s over the course of 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 pair were set to square off at welterweight, where McGregor traded wins with Nate Diaz in 2016 and beat Donald Cerrone in 2020.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in