Eyebrows were raised among UFC fans when a press conference in Dublin to promote the June 29 bout at UFC 303 in Las Vegas between Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler was postponed on Monday.
The postponement immediately fueled speculation about McGregor’s availability for the fight after photos and videos of him dancing with his fiancée and friends circulated on social media. Fans and media also noted that UFC CEO Dana White gave no indication that the press conference would be postponed when he spoke to reporters at UFC 302 on Saturday.
McGregor, 35, will fight Chandler as a welterweight in a five-round non-title bout after winning championships as a featherweight and lightweight. He has not appeared in a match since breaking his leg and losing by TKO to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in 2021.
The two-time champion later issued a statement on social media on Monday, but offered little explanation for the postponement other than suggesting it was the UFC’s decision. The press conference was a ticketed event with fans and media traveling to Dublin to attend.
In consultation with the UFC, today’s press conference was canceled due to a series of obstacles beyond our control. I apologize to my Irish fans and fans around the world for the inconvenience and I appreciate all your passion and support. I can’t wait to get the best…
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) June 3, 2024
“In consultation with the UFC, today’s press conference was canceled due to a series of obstacles beyond our control,” McGregor’s statement said. “I apologize to my Irish fans and fans around the world for any inconvenience caused and appreciate all your passion and support. I can’t wait to put on the greatest show of all time in the Octagon.”
In response to the online speculation and conspiracy theories about the press conference being postponed so abruptly, MMA insider Ariel Helwani assured fans that there is nothing to worry about, despite appearances. However, the postponement disappointed many, including Chandler, who wanted the opportunity to promote himself and the fight.
“The fight is still on. As of this moment, the fight is still on,” Helwani said on his show ‘The MMA Hour’. “I just want everyone to know that there is no scandalous, salacious story here. The full story will hopefully be out in the future.”
PT. 3:
Ariel Helwani: I can now tell you with 100% certainty, confirmation that there is nothing lustful. There’s nothing scandalous. There is no failed drug test. There is nothing like that.#TheMMAHour pic.twitter.com/daoZQmcliS
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) June 3, 2024
“I can tell you now with 100% certainty, confirmation that there is nothing salacious going on,” he added. “There’s nothing scandalous. There’s no failed drug test. There’s nothing like that. Things are popping up. So let’s see how this story plays out.”
Since winning the UFC lightweight championship from Eddie Alvarez in 2016, McGregor has fought just four times, going 1-3 in those bouts. He was also stripped of his title due to inactivity and took almost a year off from fighting before facing Floyd Mayweather in a boxing match.
White has said that UFC 303 is expected to bring in live gate revenues of more than $20 million, according to ESPN. That would be the highest gate in UFC history.
