The circumstances regarding Monday’s
canceled UFC 303 press conference in Dublin remain vague, but
at least for now, it doesn’t appear that it will have any bearing
on the upcoming fight between Conor
McGregor and Michael
Chandler.
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McGregor released a statement via social media on Monday afternoon
regarding the cancellation. While it didn’t provide much clarity as
to why the event was called off, the Irish star indicated that he
is still looking forward to fighting at UFC
303.
“In consultation with the UFC, today’s press conference was
cancelled due to a series of obstacles outside of our control,”
McGregor wrote on X. “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.”
In consultation with the UFC, todays press
conference was cancelled 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…— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA)
June 3, 2024
The press conference was scheduled to take place at the 3Arena in
Dublin at noon ET/9 a.m. PT. While admission was free, it was a
ticketed event that had reportedly been sold out in anticipation of
McGregor’s first large-scale media appearance in his home country
in quite some time. The UFC initially announced that the presser
had been postponed on Sunday night, but it remains unknown if it
will be rescheduled in the coming weeks.
UFC CEO Dana White revealed after UFC 302 that he was planning to
fly to Dublin to meet with McGregor on Sunday. Meanwhile, Chandler
reportedly learned of the cancellation before boarding a flight to
the Irish capital.
McGregor and Chandler served as opposing coaches on “The Ultimate
Fighter 31” last year, but their fight has been repeatedly delayed
since the conclusion of the reality show. McGregor hasn’t fought
since July 2021, when he suffered a broken leg in a loss to Dustin
Poirer at UFC 264, while Chandler has been sidelined since fallling
to Poirier at UFC 281 in November 2022.
UFC 303 takes place on June 29 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas,
with the McGregor-Chandler clash expected to serve as the
five-round, welterweight main event.