The main event and co-main event for the upcoming, highly-anticipated UFC 306 card at the iconic Sphere in Las Vegas has seemingly been leaked, undoubtedly to UFC CEO Dana White‘s chagrin. The UFC French-Canadian commentators, during the just-concluded UFC Fight Night: Namajunas vs. Cortez broadcast said that the September 14 card will feature featherweight champion Ilia Topuria defending his title for the first time against current BMF champion and former featherweight champion Max Holloway.

The co-main event for the card to commemorate the Mexican Independence Day will, according to the French-Canadian broadcasters, see bantamweight champ Sean O’Malley face #1 title contender Merab Dvalsihvili in his second title defense.

There was buzz previously that UFC 306 (or UFC Noche as the Mexican Independence Day cards are christened) would be headlined by the much-awaited trilogy bout between Mexican women’s flyweight champion Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko, but it seems that will not be the case. Of course, it is important to note that this is not official yet, and until Dana White and co. announce the UFC 306 card, this remains in the realm of conjecture. Speaking of conjecture, this indiscretion on part of the broadcasters has also given ample material for one to make an educated guess about when Conor McGregor will fight next.

Conor McGregor likely to fight at UFC 307 or 310

Conor McGregor, having pulled out of UFC 303 last month, looks determined to make a quick turnaround. After three years of inactivity, and the broken pinky toe, the Irishman has been quite active recently on social media, posting pictures and clips of him working out and training, to fans’ delight.

In addition, the former two-division champion revealed in a recent tweet that he had spoken to Dana White about a date for his comeback and assured fans he would be fighting Michael Chandler in 2024. This, combined with the comments from the French-Canadian commentators can at least help us narrow down when the Irishman will make his comeback.

The most likely candidates for ‘Mac’s comeback bout are UFC 307 in late September or October or UFC 310 in December. UFC 305 has already been announced, and UFC 306’s marquee fights have apparently leaked. It is important to note that MMA journalist extraordinaire, Ariel Helwani had reported that the UFC was targeting O’Malley-Dvalishvili for UFC 306 and Topuria-Holloway for UFC 307 in Utah. But, it now seems that the UFC may have moved the featherweight title bout to the September card, based upon the commentators’ revelations.

On the other hand, UFC 308 in October will be the UFC’s annual Abu Dhabi PPV card, more than likely to be headlined by Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan for the former’s lightweight title.

UFC heavyweight champ Jon Jones is expected to take on Stipe Miocic this November, which most expect to take place at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York City. With 305, 308, and 309 out of the picture, if the reports and rumors are true, plus the fact that McGregor will fight this year, that leaves only UFC 307 in October and UFC 310 in December as realistic possibilities. Wouldn’t you agree?