The highly anticipated bout between Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler in 2024 is one of the most talked-about topics in the MMA world. Fans have been on the edge of their seats, waiting to see these two Titans clash in what promised to be an explosive matchup. However, recent developments have made the unfortunate announcement that the fight will not occur.
The Rivalry: How It Started
The fierce rivalry between Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler has become one of the most compelling narratives in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). Since Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler were matched up on ‘The Ultimate Fighter 31,’ their rivalry was intense. They never missed a chance to engage in verbal confrontations whenever they could.
The McGregor vs. Chandler rivalry never stopped inside the octagon. It even solidified when both became coaches for the TUF or The Ultimate Fighter 31. Both fighters are known for their explosive fighting styles and charismatic personalities, and they have consistently attracted the attention of fans worldwide.
McGregor, an accomplished striker with a knack for trash-talking, has achieved fame as a former UFC Featherweight and Lightweight Champion. In contrast, Chandler, a stalwart with an aggressive approach and wrestling prowess, emerged as a formidable force in the UFC after a successful run in Bellator.
Conor McGregor, or “The Notorious,” is a Dublin native whose meteoric rise in the MMA world has been spectacular. His ability to captivate audiences with his words and actions inside the Octagon has made him a global superstar. Michael Chandler, known as “Iron,” hails from High Ridge, Missouri.
With his relentless fighting style and disciplined work ethic, Chandler quickly made a name for himself in the UFC, proving he is among the toughest challengers in the lightweight division. Both fighters bring a unique set of skills and a determined mindset to their bouts, contributing to the intensity of their rivalry.
Why Was it Cancelled?
The UFC will host UFC 303 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday, June 29. However, the main attraction, Conor McGregor, will not be competing that night. The former dual-weight UFC champion had to withdraw due to an injury.
McGregor was originally slated to fight Michael Chandler at UFC 303, but a broken toe during his training camp has sidelined him. Although this turn of events was disappointing, it has helped him maintain focus and drive.
He expressed that the injury is quite troubling and causes a lot of pain, even more so than his leg injury. This increased discomfort is because his foot is still exposed and not wrapped up, making it more vulnerable.
What Happens to UFC 303 Now?
Due to Conor McGregor’s injury, which caused him to withdraw from his anticipated match against Michael Chandler, the UFC was forced to find a replacement quickly.
Additionally, former UFC light heavyweight champion Jamahal Hill and his opponent Carlos Ulberg dropped off the card. Consequently, Alex Pereira now headlines UFC 303 on short notice, defending his light heavyweight title in a rematch against former champion Jiri Prochazka.
In their first bout at UFC 295, Pereira knocked out Prochazka to capture the vacant 205-pound title, so Prochazka is seeking retribution. The new co-main event features a matchup between two-time featherweight title challenger Brian Ortega and rising star Diego Lopes.
Additionally, Anthony Smith, initially brought in to replace Hill, will fight Roman Dolidze at 205 pounds after Dolidze stepped in following Ulberg’s injury departure. The main card is completed with original matchups, including recent bantamweight title challenger Mayra Bueno Silva versus Macy Chiasson and Ian Machado Garry against Michael “Venom” Page at welterweight.
Will the McGregor-Chandler Fight Ever Take Place?
Dana White was always uncertain about Conor McGregor’s return to fighting, and it wasn’t due to the injury that took McGregor out of UFC 303 on June 29.
While the specifics of the injury and the duration of McGregor’s recovery are still unclear, the UFC CEO often doubts some superstars’ return after earning substantial wealth and securing their legacy as legends. White had already questioned whether McGregor would return after his severe broken leg injury in 2021, and this latest setback hasn’t eased his worries.
This development was a significant disappointment for both fighters, especially since the fight had been in discussion for so long.
Both fighters have been eager to secure a victory since their respective losses to Dustin Poirier—McGregor at UFC 264, where he broke his leg, and Chandler at UFC 281 in 2022. There is talk of rescheduling the fight for September at The Sphere in Las Vegas, but Sonnen has expressed skepticism about the bout happening this year.
However, McGregor has expressed a different opinion. The Irish fighter is still hopeful that the rematch will take place.
McGregor’s fans can only gauge his performance once he returns to the Octagon. Notably, Chris Weidman and Anderson Silva endured serious leg injuries and were not the same fighters upon their return.
If this fight ever happens and McGregor secures a victory in this bout, it would serve as an excellent inaugural fight if he intends to stay active and chase another title opportunity. Conversely, a win for Chandler would not only result in a substantial financial gain but also position him favorably for a contender match to vie for a championship title.
Takeaway
The much-anticipated bout between Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler, a highlight on the 2024 MMA calendar, has been canceled due to McGregor’s injury during training. This disappointing development dashed fans’ hopes of witnessing this fierce rivalry unfold in the octagon.
As the UFC scrambles to adjust, with Alex Pereira now headlining UFC 303, questions linger about whether this highly anticipated clash will ever happen, leaving fans eagerly awaiting future announcements.
