Former two-weight world champion Conor McGregor has finally shared the full story, complete with an x-ray, surrounding his canceled UFC comeback.
The Irishman was due to face Michael Chandler as the headliner of UFC 303 next week to close out International Fight Week. But when the pair’s Dublin launch press conference was cancelled at the last minute, rumours began to swirl about the fight being off.
And last week it was confirmed by promotional boss Dana White that the main event was off, marking the first time in his UFC career that he has pulled out with an injury. He and Chandler will be replaced by a light-heavyweight title rematch between Alex Pereira and Jiri Prochazka.
Conor McGregor details how broken toe forced him out of UFC 303 main event
The fight between Conor McGregor and Chandler is due to be re-booked shortly and the injury turnaround time is not expected to be long. Therefore, it had been theorised that he would never reveal the details of why he had pulled out.
But he took to Instagram today to open up about his heartbreak over being forced out of competition. McGregor noted that he has fought through arguably worse injuries before, but insisted that his comeback after three years had to be made at 100 per cent.
“Man we were so f***ing super ready for this fight it is absolutely gut wrenching to take,” he wrote to his 45million+ Instagram followers. “I want that new Bugatti how I gone justify to myself getting that now without banking these fights.
“We had a lapse in concentration and engaged in a training session without wearing the full protective gear and I hit the toe off the elbow and broke the toe clean. It needs a few weeks that’s it. I couldn’t justify to my team, or fans, that I make the walk hindered again. That walk has been seen.
“This next walk has got to be, and it will be, 100% Conor McGregor. The fans deserve it and we are getting close.”
Conor McGregor brands UFC 303 fight camp injury a ‘nuisance’ as he vows to make quick return
Continuing on, McGregor detailed how it was simply a ‘slight lapse in concentration’ that cost him his massive comeback fight. He also insisted that he would be back quickly, noting that he must fund his Bugatti purchases with his next two fights.
The Irishman is currently two fights away from the end of his UFC deal, and he plans to have them both in quick succession. “A slight lapse in concentration and a nuisance of an injury was picked up,” he added. That’s it.
“Take the lesson and move forward. I will get this back. I’ve got too. I’ve got two fights left on my contract. I’ve got Bugattis and more yachts on my mind. I’m coming to shine. I gotta just take my time.
“Cos I still got yachts and Bentleys and mansions and all the rest. Ya know yaself. But ya get me, I’ll be back. See ya’s soon. See ya at the top. Chandler or not.” He later shared a photo of his X-Ray, dismissing UFC legend Chael Sonnen’s theory that he was ‘in rehab’
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