Conor McGregor is the name on everybody’s lips as he gets set to make his return to the sport. One of the biggest combat sports athletes of all time, his return has garnered a lot of excitement from fans and experts alike. That said, his latest PPV fight card will seemingly follow a long ongoing trend.
For those unaware, UFC flyweight Cody Durden previously leaked that Conor McGregor vs Michael Chandler would be the headliner for UFC 303. Although the fighter was since removed from the card, the rumor was confirmed by President Dana White, with the head honcho giving the
MYSTIC MAC IS BACK 🔮🇮🇪@TheNotoriousMMA takes on @MikeChandlerMMA at 170lbs! #UFC303 pic.twitter.com/kt3a12qM6x
— UFC (@ufc) April 14, 2024
Thus, after much back and forth, the fight is finally just a few weeks away. From initial conversations to their appearance on TUF 31 together, Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler have had a lot to say to each other. That said, they will finally settle their squabbles in a showdown that promises to be one of the most entertaining ones of the year.
Ian Garry vs Michael Venom Page has been added to UFC 303
Whilst Conor McGregor’s return has been a highly anticipated one, there was also a lot of talk regarding the rest of the fights on the card. Previously, it was revealed that former light heavyweight champion Jamahal Hill would be taking on Khalil Rountree Jr. in the co-main event of the card as well. However, owing to a case of tainted supplements, Rountree has since been handed a two-month suspension that will see him miss the fight.
Instead, #11 ranked surging contender Carlos Ulberg will be replacing Rountree against Hill. Recently, UFC President Dana White took to social media to reveal that just a day after UFC 302 in Newark, New Jersey, we will be having the first press conference for UFC 303, in Dublin, Ireland. Not only that, the head honcho would go on to announce Ian Garry vs Michael Venom Page as an addition to the main card.
HUGE FIGHT ADDED TO CONOR’S CARD
Michael Venom Page vs Ian Garry
UFC 303 | June 29 | Las Vegas NV | 170 lbs🇮🇪 x 🏴 pic.twitter.com/NcNJWB8KPm
— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) May 24, 2024
For the most part, Garry has been pining for a spot on the card alongside his fellow countryman, Conor McGregor. Seeing that it symbolizes his journey from being a fan of the UFC megastar to fighting alongside him, it was understandable why. Initially, Colby Covington was meant to be the man facing the Irish prospect. Instead, English newcomer MVP, who enjoyed a successful debut at UFC 299, will be stepping in.
UFC 303 sees the continuation of under-stacked Conor McGregor cards
All things considered, Ian Garry vs Michael Venom Page is a bit of a count toss in terms of whether or not it will be an entertaining fight. Whilst both men possess the potential to pull off some spectacular moves inside the Octagon, their kickboxing point-fighting tendencies could potentially dampen that possibility. If both fighters decide to really go for it, one can no doubt expect some fireworks from the fight.
That said, other than the Garry-MVP and co-main between Jamahal Hill and Carlos Ulberg, there are hardly any other riveting fights, that pique the interest of the fans. Notably, this is a trend that we have often seen with cards headlined by Conor McGregor. With the exception of one, maybe two other renowned or upcoming talents, the rest of the names are what you would expect to see at an APEX Fight Night Card.
Face to Face in DUBLIN!! 🇮🇪
Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler LIVE at the #UFC303 presser on Monday 3 June!
🎟️ Free tickets available Wed 29th May! pic.twitter.com/lOphukYI4S
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) May 24, 2024
Such has been the trend for UFC 229, UFC 246, UFC 257, and UFC 264 as well. However, when taken into consideration, one may come to realize that the UFC does so on purpose. After all, we’ve often heard that Conor McGregor’s name is enough to sell a card. Thus, despite our wishes, we cannot see a UFC 299 or 300-eque card. That said, having more young, upcoming names would go a long way in rationalizing the absurd ticket prices for the event.