The saga surrounding the UFC 303 main event between Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler continues, with both fighters posting a cryptic message online hinting that the fight is in serious jeopardy.
Issues regarding the UFC 303 main event on June 29 between Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler arose this past Monday when the promotion announced their scheduled press conference in Dublin was postponed.
Following that news, it was reported that ‘The Notorious’ had canceled his media obligations with UFC’s broadcast partners, further throwing the bout into doubt.
Michael Chandler and Conor McGregor post cryptic messages online fueling cancelation speculation
On Monday evening, the Irishman took to social media to explain to fans that the press conference was postponed due to a series of obstacles outside their control.
Despite the explanation, fans have begun to fear that the UFC 303 main event has been canceled due to the former two-weight world champion pulling out, however, nothing has been confirmed as of yet.
‘Iron’ Mike, took to Instagram on Tuesday evening, posting a cryptic message that has further planted doubt in fans’ minds.
“If you’re looking for me, I’ll be out in Tennessee. No way out of the life we chose. Walk on. See you at the top.” Chandler posted on his Instagram.
The 38-year-old trains out of Kill Cliff FC, based in Deerfield Beach, Florida. Stating that he will be back in Tennessee instead of continuing his camp in Florida has sparked some concern. As well as that, ‘Iron’ didn’t include the ‘#UFC303’ that he has become accustomed to using in his posts.
- BRACE YOURSELF: Daniel Cormier fears Conor McGregor’s UFC 303 comeback may fall through after press conference cancelation
The Irishman also posted a short but poignant message on Instagram, sharing a photo of him and his family, captioned, “Thank you, God”.
Despite the ongoing speculation online, the UFC is yet to officially announce the cancelation of the UFC 303 main event and is also yet to provide a reason for the cancelation of Monday’s press conference.
UFC reportedly searching for a backup main event for UFC 303
According to MMAFighting reporter, Ariel Helwani, the promotion has ‘sent out feelers’ to see which fighters may be able to fill in on short notice, to replace Conor McGregor.
Max Holloway is a name that has been thrown out by the fans, with a possible ‘BMF’ title fight against Michael Chandler being something that intrigues the masses.
Not only that, but the promotion is also reportedly looking for an entirely new fight to headline the International Fight Week event, in case the original fight is canceled.
Although the options are likely to be few and far between, there will likely be some willing fighters throwing their names in the hat to become the new UFC 303 main event, despite the short notice.
Top-ranked UFC women’s bantamweight contender, Kayla Harrison, revealed that if the UFC asked her to fight former UFC featherweight champion, Amanda Nunes on three weeks’ notice, she would say ‘yes’.