The past few weeks have been rough for UFC fans. After months of hype, two-division UFC Champion Conor McGregor‘s highly anticipated return at UFC 303 was scrapped due to his injury. He was scheduled to face #6 lightweight contender Michael Chandler in a welterweight bout on June 29th.

In the wake of the cancellation, UFC CEO Dana White and Michael Chandler were all over the news about the fight cancellation, but Notorious stayed radio silent about his injury. Finally, though, he took to social media to give fans the scoop on his recovery and even hinted at a new opponent.

Conor McGregor wanted the new Bugatti

It’s been three years since Conor McGregor last stepped into the Octagon. Conor McGregor’s fight against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 ended in a brutal defeat. A shattered leg suffered during the fight left him unable to continue. Since then, McGregor’s attempts to return have been hampered by a number of things: run-ins with anti-doping agencies, Hollywood commitments, and problems in his recovery. Now, his latest injury throws another wrench in his return plans.

The Notorious unleashed a lengthy Instagram post about the fight cancellation. He expressed his burning desire to win and snag that new Bugatti with fight money.“Man we were so f**king super ready for this fight!” he wrote.

“It is absolutely gut-wrenching to take. I want that new Buggati how I gone justify to myself getting that now without banking these fights?” McGregor also revealed a training mishap, admitting he ditched the safety gear and stubbed his toe. He promised his fans that he’d make a 100% return to the octagon.

But then came the bombshell. “I gotta just take my time. Cos I still got yachts and Bentleys and mansions and all the rest. Ya know yaself,” he wrote cryptically. “But ya get me, I’ll be back. See ya’s soon. See ya at the top. Chandler or not.” This cryptic message, particularly the last part, throws the Chandler fight into question, leaving fans wondering if there’s a new opponent in the mix.

However, McGregor’s statement wasn’t quite the bombshell he intended. Two days earlier, Michael Chandler has subtly questioned Conor McGregor’s commitment in a posh Instagram video. Chandler pointed out he signed the UFC 303 contract, implying he was ready to fight no matter what.

Is Michael Chandler returning at UFC 303?

The biggest loser from Conor McGregor’s injury and the fight cancelation at UFC 303 might be Michael Chandler. For the past year and a half, Chandler dedicated himself to this fight. He spent 18 months away from his family, turning down other UFC opportunities, all to be completely focused on making a clash with McGregor a reality. Now, he’s left hanging with nowhere to go.

But ever the fighter, Michael Chandler isn’t one to wallow. In a very Chandler-esque Instagram video, he took a sip of wine and delivered a not-so-subtle message. “Your word is yours, and if your word is no good, then eventually you are no good,” Chandler declared. “Still, I’m going to UFC 303, much to the surprise of the UFC and everyone behind the scenes.” This clearly emphasizes his willingness to fight whoever steps up.

So, the question remains: should Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler wait for each other, or should they each pursue separate paths? Let us know in the comment box.