SUMMARY
- Michael Chandler claims that he will attend UFC 303 because it is his card.
- Conor McGregor believes he will return only once he's fully healthy.
The Michael Chandler vs Conor McGregor fight was in the works for several months leading up to the official announcement which was made following UFC 300. Both lightweight legends promoted their scheduled bout incredibly well while coaching TUF 31, a contest that Chandler eventually won.
Unfortunately, the former two-division champion pulled out after sustaining an injury over a week ago. Days later, Chandler responded to the situation by claiming he would be at UFC 303 despite the cancelation of his fight.
Michael Chandler says he’s going to attend UFC 303 because it’s HIS card and he signed a contract saying he would show up
he sounds so depressed pic.twitter.com/T99nfD15td
— OOC MMA (@oocmma) June 18, 2024
He said, “It was my card whenever I signed the bout agreement, signed my name to a piece of paper that said I would be at UFC 303. I made a promise, I made a commitment, and that commitment still stands.” Chandler vows to show up at the event which a title fight between Alex Pereira and Jiri Prochazka will headline.
Fans react to Michael Chandler’s video response on attending UFC 303
Fans were worried about Chandler after he uploaded the video as one said, “This is getting so sad now.” Another fan added, “Chandler trying to hide the pain.” It is uncertain whether the bout will take place anytime soon, at least not until McGregor fully recovers.
This is getting so sad now 😭
— Elon Rakhmonov 🇦🇺 (@ElonRakhmonov) June 18, 2024
Chandler trying to hide the pain
— Josh (@JUchiha909) June 18, 2024
The “Notorious One” also issued a statement via X saying, “I picked up an injury prior to the press conference that required more time to heal than was available to me. The decision to postpone the fight was not made lightly, but one made in consultation with my doctors, the UFC, and my team.” McGregor stated that he intends on fighting again, but not until he’s fully healed. Amidst speculation that he may not be injured, Dana White confirmed that his condition was legitimate.
Dana White speaks on the future of the Michael Chandler vs Conor McGregor bout
Fighters like Conor McGregor or even veterans like Jon Jones have already made a fortune while fighting in the UFC. It is obvious that these fighters aren’t in a hurry to show up either. White recently addressed the uncertainty that floats around these fighters.
He said, “Conor’s going to be 36 in July. He’s got plenty of money. I don’t ever think that guys like that, Jon Jones, who knows, maybe he’ll fight again, maybe he won’t. Conor McGregor, maybe he’ll fight again, maybe he won’t. You never know with some of the guys that get to that level. You never know if you’re ever going to see them again.”
McGregor hasn’t fought since UFC 264 which took place in 2021. Both his fights were against Dustin Poirier, and he experienced two straight losses as well. Poirier also fought Chandler in 2022 which he ended up winning but submission. Over the last five years, McGregor has only fought thrice.
However, Chandler also hasn’t fought since losing to Poirier during UFC 281. The veteran fighter could’ve put aside the bout rather than waiting for McGregor to return and earned himself a title shot in the meantime.