Conor McGregor has found himself in the crosshairs of Islam Makhachev as the MMA world is questioning if the Irishman will step into the cage on June 29 or not! Set to make his long-awaited return against Michael Chandler at UFC 303, McGregor had been actively promoting the event with teases of his training camps and posts on social media where he had claimed, “June 29th, records and jaw’s are getting smashed! Onwards and upwards!”

However, the fans were left hanging as the pre-fight press conference scheduled for June 3 in Dublin, Ireland was abruptly canceled hours before it was supposed to take place. This led to a wave of speculation amongst the MMA sphere if ‘The Notorious’ is out of his fight against Chandler. As such, Makhachev, the current lightweight king of the UFC, took the opportunity to take a jab at the Irishman’s situation!

Islam Makhachev dashes fans hopes as he claims Conor McGregor won’t step into the cage at UFC 303

The concern regarding Conor McGregor’s status for UFC 303 began when the UFC announced that the pre-event press conference in his home country of Ireland was “postponed until further notice” just 12 hours before the start time. Since then, there has been a wave of speculation and rumors about what could be the reason behind the postponement.

While McGregor did release a statement and apologized to the fans for the issue, he raised more questions than he answered with his response. ‘The Notorious’ stated on X, “In consultation with the UFC, today’s press conference was canceled due to a series of obstacles outside of our control. 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.”

This led to many prominent figures in the MMA world wondering if McGregor had suffered an injury or if there was some other reason behind the press conference being nixed. But apparently, Islam Makhachev had been paying attention to the situation as well!

In a conversation shared on the ‘Ushatayka’ YouTube channel, Makhachev was asked if he’d rather fight Arman Tsarukyan or Conor McGregor next. The Dagestani champion bluntly responded by stating, “…McGregor would be interesting but I don’t think that even his next fight will take place because we recently saw a video there and recently their press conference was canceled. I don’t think that he will be able to go out at all.”

As McGregor’s status for UFC 303 remains in limbo, fans and fighters alike are eager for clarity on whether ‘The Notorious will make his highly anticipated comeback or if unforeseen obstacles will keep him sidelined once again. But there seems to be a light at the end of the tunnel as a veteran MMA journalist has indicated that ‘hope’ still remains for the June 29 main event!

Ariel Helwani brings some much needed “positivity” for MMA fans  

The unfolding situation with Conor McGregor and UFC 303 continues to stir debate and anticipation amongst the fans, but according to Ariel Helwani, there is still a high likelihood that ‘The Notorious’ steps into the Octagon against Michael Chandler.

In a recent episode of ‘The MMA Hour’, Helwani revealed, “I can tell you there is great positivity that this fight is going forward. 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.”

The ongoing drama has kept the MMA world on edge, with everyone eager to see if McGregor can make his highly anticipated comeback. With positive signs from trusted sources like Helwani, fans can still hold out hope that ‘The Notorious’ will indeed face Chandler on June 29, delivering the electrifying spectacle they have been waiting for. 

Do you think Islam Makhachev is right about Conor McGregor pulling out of UFC 303? Or do you have faith in Ariel Helwani’s assertions instead? Share your thoughts in the comments below!