The MMA world received shocking news when the Michael Chandler vs Conor McGregor bout was postponed. The announcement was made at a press conference in Dublin to promote the UFC 303 match on June 29.
Fans believe this news may be a result of the newly released MMA ranking, which has omitted Michael Chandler’s name due to inactivity. The lightweight hasn’t competed in the last 18 months and, by the rules of the sport, has dropped out of the rankings like McGregor-his opponent.
The match was set to be an epic battle between returning former two-time champion McGregor and Michael Chandler in the welterweight division. However, the match has been put on hold. McGregor released a statement on social media explaining that the UFC took the decision.
“In consultation with the UFC, today’s press conference was cancelled due to a series of obstacles outside of our control,” McGregor said. “ I apologize to my Irish fans, and fans around the world, for the inconvenience and appreciate all your passion and support. I can’t wait to put on the greatest all-time show in the octagon,”
Despite this recent news and online speculations, MMA insider Ariel Helwani has assured fans that the fight will still occur.
“The fight’s still on. As of right this minute, the fight’s still on,” He said on The MMA Show. “I just want everyone to know there’s no sort of scandalous, salacious story at play here. The full story, hopefully, will come out in the future.
“ I can tell you right now with 100% certainty, confirmation that there is nothing salacious,” He continued. “There is nothing scandalous. There is no failed drug test. There’s nothing of that sort. Things pop up. So let’s see how this story plays out.”