It's been almost three years since Conor McGregor stepped inside the octagon for a UFC fight.
The former two-division champion is set to make his UFC return in a welterweight bout against Michael Chandler on June 29, where's he a small underdog, according to the latest UFC 303 odds.
However, the fight appears to be on shaky ground, according to the latest report from MMA reporter Ariel Helwani.
"Since this morning, multiple sources are now saying feelers are being sent out again for June 29. For a replacement and/or new fight(s)," Helwani tweeted on Tuesday. "In short, there seems to [be] pessimism all over again regarding the status of the 303 main event. Actually even more pessimism – it seems – than on Monday last week after the presser was cancelled at the last minute."
A press conference was canceled early last week, which drew questions about the possibility of the fight getting called off. By Wednesday, Helwani notes, there was more confidence the fight would take place.
"Around this time last week, all the anxiety surrounding the UFC 303 main event seemed to start to dissipate," Helwani tweeted. "By Wednesday, no more feelers about replacements were being sent out. All systems seemed to be a go (again). Later in the week, Chandler did an interview with The Pivot about it being all good, and on Saturday UFC was promoting it again on the ABC fight night telecast."
Chandler, who coached "The Ultimate Fighter" opposite McGregor in early 2023, told The Pivot podcast last week that he believes the fight will happen.
"Yeah, the fight’s happening," said Chandler, who's been out of action since late 2022 while waiting for the high-profile McGregor fight. "Obviously, where we are there’s a lot of speculation, but yeah, the fight is on, June 29, it’s happening.”
The Conor McGregor experience allows for unpredictability at all times.
The rollercoaster continues as Helwani no longer feels as confident about the fight taking place. Stay tuned for the latest updates.
