UFC fans were shocked when a press conference in Dublin to promote the June 29 UFC 303 match in Las Vegas between Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler was postponed on Monday.
The postponement immediately fueled speculation about McGregor’s availability for the fight after photos and videos of him dancing with his fiancée and friends. circulated on social networks. Fans and media also noted that UFC CEO Dana White gave no indication that the press conference would be postponed when he spoke to reporters at Saturday’s UFC 302.
McGregor, 35, is scheduled to fight Chandler as a welterweight in a five-round non-title fight after winning championships as a featherweight and lightweight. He has not appeared in a fight since he broke his leg and lost via technical knockout to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in 2021.
The two-time champion later issued a statement on social media on Monday, but provided little explanation for the postponement other than hinting that it was the UFC’s decision. The press conference was a ticketed event and fans and media traveled to Dublin to attend.
In consultation with the UFC, today’s press conference was canceled due to a number of obstacles beyond 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 my best…
– Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) June 3, 2024
“In consultation with the UFC, today’s press conference has been canceled due to a number of obstacles beyond our control,” McGregor’s statement said. “I apologize to my Irish fans and fans around the world for the inconvenience and appreciate all their passion and support. I can’t wait to put on the greatest show of all time in the Octagon.”
In response to online speculation and conspiracy theories about the abrupt postponement of the press conference, MMA expert Ariel Helwani assured fans that nothing is happening, despite appearances. However, the postponement disappointed many, including Chandler, who wanted the chance to promote himself and the fight.
“The fight is still going on. Right now, the fight is still going on,” Helwani said on his show “The MMA Hour.” “I just want everyone to know that there is no kind of scandalous and lewd story at play here. Hopefully, the full story will come to light in the future.”
PT. 3:
Ariel Helwani: I can tell you right now with 100% certainty, a confirmation that there is nothing lewd. There is nothing scandalous. There are no failed drug tests. There is nothing like that.#LaHoraMMA pic.twitter.com/daoZQmcliS
– Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) June 3, 2024
“I can assure you right now with 100% certainty, a confirmation that there is nothing lewd,” he added. “There’s nothing outrageous. There’s no failed drug test. There’s nothing of that sort. Things come up. So let’s see how this story plays out.”
Since winning the UFC lightweight championship in 2016 over Eddie Alvarez, McGregor has fought just four times, going 1-3 in those matches. He was also stripped of the title due to inactivity and took almost a year off before facing Floyd Mayweather in a boxing match.
White has said that UFC 303 is expected to produce live revenue of more than $20 million. according to ESPN. That would be the highest gate in UFC history.
