Leading MMA journalist gives worrying update on McGregor vs Chandler fight

Fresh doubt has been cast on the Conor McGregor vs Michael Chandler fight.

‘Notorious’ is due to mark his return to the octagon against the American in the main event at UFC 303 on June 29.

Fans were concerned that the fight was going to be called off after the launch press conference was postponed hours before starting last week.

McGregor posted a statement saying that it had to be cancelled to do things beyond their control.

Chandler himself then hinted that he had left training camp.

“If you’re looking for me, I’ll be out in Tennessee. No way out of the life we chose,” Chandler wrote. “Walk On. See you at the top!”

Chandler appeared to ease any fears when he insisted that the clash is still set to go ahead as he declared: “Yeah, the fight’s happening.”

However, journalist Helwani has issued a worrying update over UFC 303’s feature attraction just two weeks before it takes place in Las Vegas.

Taking on X, he said: “Latest on UFC 303: Around this time last week, all the anxiety surrounding the UFC 303 main event seemed to start to dissipate. 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. There was a scare about the fight being off and the scare appeared to be no more.

“But since this morning, mutiple sources are now saying feelers are being sent out again for June 29. For a replacement and/or new fight(s). In short, there seems to 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.

“Is this insurance? Due diligence? Emergency replacement mode? Remains to be seen. It’s all developing (again).

“But it doesn’t appear as though we are out of the woods either way just yet. More to come, and hopefully a definitive answer one way or the other in short order.”

Neither fighter, nor the UFC, have confirmed or denied that the fight will go ahead.

McGregor hasn’t fought since he broke his leg during his defeat to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264, which took place in July 2021.

Chandler has also faced a lengthy spell away from the octagon having last been in action in November 2022, also a defeat against Poirier.

A fight was initially teased before the end of last year but fans have been made to wait even longer for the duo to clash.