Is Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler in jeopardy? Fans have already waited for a long time for this one. After their epic rivalry at TUF 31, McGregor’s USADA woes, and his Hollywood debut, people were happy to hear about his return at UFC 303. While their clash is confirmed for June 29, it seems like not all problems have been dealt with.

A press conference was supposed to take place in Dublin, Ireland on June 3. However, it got canceled abruptly and left fans with nothing but assumptions. “Dear UFC Fans– The press conference scheduled for Monday June 3rd in Dublin, Ireland at 3Arena has been postponed until further notice… When we have further information on a new date and time, we will share it immediately,” the promotion’s statement read. The fact that no reason was provided led people to wonder if UFC 303’s main event was in trouble. Now, Brendan Schaub said something that added more fuel to the fire!

Is Conor McGregor backing out from UFC 303?

On June 6th, Brendan Schaub and Bryan Callen sat down to discuss the matter on The Fighter and The Kid podcast. Schaub said, “So what we know is that Conor’s not ill… you know he is not doing any of the promotion for it and there is all these speculations all this stuff. From my source, it’s pretty good and from people around the water cooler, it’s uh leg injury. It’s a leg injury but I don’t think it’s like crazy significant and the reason it’s not coming out is because I think Conor’s still gonna fight.”

If it’s really injury woes, not much is known about it. Could it be the lingering problems from the leg injury he sustained at UFC 264 against Dustin Poirier? We don’t know. However, there is something important that the podcaster pointed out. “Remember Conor fought hurt against Chad Mendes?… He fought hurt against Dustin Poirier.”

Schaub also pointed out, “But I have heard that the UFC is scrambling to find a main event.” Now, in case McGregor versus Chandler falls apart, the promotion would need an alternate main event. However, Chael Sonnen is confident that ‘Mystic Mac’ won’t back out. Why? Because it’s about McGregor’s principles. Just like Schaub pointed out, the Irishman will fight injured if he has to. 

Similarly, Sonnen said that Conor McGregor believes that the show must go on. Remember how Joe Rogan didn’t want to interview McGregor after his UFC 264 fight? McGregor’s leg was broken, and he needed immediate medical attention. But the fighter called Rogan for the interview despite all the pain. He wanted the show to go on.

But what happens if the fight does fall apart? As per Nevada State Athletic Commission guidelines: NAC 467.255 Change or substitution involving main event: Notice by promoter; refund of price of ticket; approval of substitution. (NRS 467.030)

Under this, the promotion would have to:
1. Notify the Commission and the media about these changes.
2. This notification needs to come at least 24 hours before the exhibition of the program.
3. The promoter will provide a refund to the patron if requested in case a substitution happens.

While Ariel Helwani did clarify early on that factors like PEDs or recreational drugs were not the reason for the conference being canceled, both fighters came forward with their statements.

‘The Notorious’ apologized to his fans and explained that the cancellation was in consultation with the UFC. He ended his note with the reassurance- “…I can’t wait to put on the greatest all-time show in the Octagon.”

However, Chandler’s reaction was cryptic. While he initially proclaimed that he would be in his hometown, later he set the record straight. In an interview with Ryan Clark, ‘Iron’ explained that he did not keep a backup for the bout and that he has been reassured by the UFC admin that the fight is very much on. And fans hope so.

Michael Chandler set the record straight about UFC 303 fight

‘Iron’ recently gave an update where the 38-year-old emphasized that the fight was still on. Chandler has been on a hiatus like his opponent. But he is ready to fight inside the octagon. Talking to Ryan Clark, Chandler said, “I was getting enough reassurance (by UFC) that this was the route to continue to follow. I was never offered another fight.”

Michael Chandler also commented on the fighting credibility of McGregor and said that the former dual-weight champion hasn’t earned everything he has currently. According to Chandler, it could have been true about McGregor two years ago that he had earned everything he had, but not anymore. But he is convinced the fight will take place and McGregor will turn up.

Further in the conversation, the fighter while displaying great trust in his opponent, affirmed, “If it was the UFC wanting me to get off the Conor McGregor versus Chandler bandwagon, they could have very easily been like ‘hey, this guy’s hurt, we need you to step in. You want to step in?’ I never got one of those phone calls, so that to me says it’s the fight that the UFC wants. It’s obviously the fight that I want and it’s the fight that Conor wants.”

Do you think the fight is still on or McGregor might cancel this much-awaited bout? Let us know in the comments.