Conor McGregor was expected to make his Octagon return against Michael Chandler at UFC 303, a long-awaited comeback that was complicated by an existing leg injury and issues with the promotion’s former drug-testing agency.
Then came this foggy promo and it seemed like McGregor was back on track.
But the UFC 303 press conference in Dublin was canceled shortly thereafter, followed by rumors of second injury that had the potential to end McGregor’s long-awaited return. Sure enough, UFC CEO Dana White broke the bad news just last week.
So what the heck happened?
“Man we were so f*cking super ready for this fight it is absolutely gut wrenching to take,” McGregor wrote on Instagram. “I want that new Bugatti how [can I] justify to myself getting that now without banking these fights. We had a lapse in concentration and engaged in a training session without wearing the full protective gear and I hit the toe off the elbow and broke the toe clean. It needs a few weeks, that’s it. I couldn’t justify to my team, or fans, that I make the walk hindered again. That walk has been seen.”
In his absence, the promotion has asked current UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira to defend his 205-pound title in a five-round rematch against former division titleholder Jiri Prochazka atop the June 29 pay-per-view (PPV) card at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
“This next walk has got to be, and it will be, 100% Conor McGregor,” the Irishman continued. “The fans deserve it and we are getting close. A slight lapse in concentration and a nuisance of an injury was picked up. That’s it. Take the lesson and move forward. I will get this back. I’ve got to. I’ve got two fights left on my contract. I’ve got Bugattis and more yachts on my mind. I’m coming to shine. I gotta just take my time. Cos I still got yachts and Bentleys and mansions and all the rest. Ya know yaself. But ya get me, I’ll be back. See ya’s soon. See ya at the top. Chandler or not.”
Chandler, 38, has been out of action for nearly two years, pinning his hopes to a blockbuster showdown against his fellow “Ultimate Fighter” coach. Whether or not that “Notorious” fight comes to fruition — or yields in favor of this “BMF” battle — remains to be seen.
For the updated UFC 303 fight card and PPV lineup click here.
