Chandler Teases New Opponent After UFC 303 Cancellation
Michael Chandler remains hopeful about his future in the octagon despite the recent cancellation of his highly anticipated bout against Conor McGregor at UFC 303. The fight, initially set to headline this weekend’s PPV event, was called off due to McGregor suffering an injury, marking the first time the former two-weight champion has withdrawn from an MMA fight because of injury.
Chandler’s Optimism and New Fight Date Hint
Chandler has taken to social media to express his optimism about rescheduling the bout with McGregor. He hinted at a new date for the clash, reassuring fans and followers that he remains in peak physical condition and ready to face the Irishman. “Time well spent in progress is never time wasted,” Chandler wrote on Twitter. “New date LOADING. Walk On. See you at the top!” Alongside this update, Chandler shared a video of a sparring session, underscoring his preparedness and determination.
UFC President Open to New Opponent
While Chandler waits for McGregor to recover, UFC President Dana White has not ruled out the possibility of Chandler facing a different opponent in the interim. “Uh Chandler, I think poor Chandler wants to wait for Conor McGregor, man,” White stated on The Jim Rome Show. “Whatever he wants to do. If he wants to get a fight this summer, we’ll do whatever he wants. He’s one of the greatest athletes I’ve ever worked with. He’s a good human being, and I like him a lot. Whatever he wants to do, we’ll figure it out for him.”
Time well spent in progress is never time wasted.
–
New date LOADING 🔄
–
Walk On.
–
See you at the top! pic.twitter.com/fBYU1uu3PN— Michael Chandler (@MikeChandlerMMA) June 25, 2024
McGregor’s Injury and Return Speculation
McGregor, on the other hand, confirmed that he had to pull out of the fight due to an undisclosed injury. “Very tough to be ruled out of my scheduled return bout,” McGregor wrote on Instagram. “I picked up an injury prior to the press conference that required more time to heal than was available to me. The decision to postpone the fight was not made lightly, but one made in consultation with my doctors, the UFC, and my team. My fans and opponent deserve me at my best for this fight and we will get there! Thank you for the messages of support, I am in good spirits and confident I’ll be back!”
Future Prospects and UFC 303 New Main Event
While backstage at the Bellator Champions Series event in Dublin, McGregor suggested that August or September could be a potential target for his return. However, Dana White quickly dispelled any rumors about a new date being in the works while McGregor is still nursing his injury. “I don’t know right now,” White said during the UFC Saudi Arabia post-fight press conference. “Our schedule is laid out. We’ll see. I’m not doing anything until I know that Conor is healthy. It’s not even worth talking about. What about September? What about October? He’s not ready. So why even talk about that? … I’m not thinking about Conor fighting anybody right now. I have no time frame, I have nothing. McGregor’s not even healed yet. McGregor’s hurt.”
With McGregor’s future still uncertain, the MMA world waits with bated breath for the next chapter in the Chandler-McGregor saga. Meanwhile, UFC 303 will proceed with a new main event, featuring a Light Heavyweight title bout between champion Alex Pereira and No. 1 challenger Jiří Procházka, along with a Featherweight bout between Brian Ortega and Diego Lopes.
Despite the disappointment of the UFC 303 cancellation, Michael Chandler’s unwavering optimism and readiness to fight underscore his dedication to the sport. Whether he faces McGregor or a new opponent, Chandler’s next move is eagerly anticipated by fans and the UFC community alike.