Helwaini: UFC Reportedly Considering A ‘Replacement’ For McGregor
The UFC has allegedly been exploring the idea of a replacement for the main event featuring Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler.
The two are expected to face off on June 29 at UFC 303. McGregor is looking for his first fight since his defeat to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in 2021. McGregor broke his leg, losing three out of his last four UFC bouts. The press conference for the event was announced for June 3 from the 3Arena in Dublin. However, the UFC cancelled the presser, stating it was not proceeding until further notice. McGregor then issued a statement revealing that there were ‘obstacles’ in place which no longer made it possible to hold the presser.
McGregor Reacts
“In consultation with the UFC, todays press conference was cancelled due to a series of obstacles outside of our control. I apologize to my Irish fans, and fans around the world, for the inconvenience and appreciate all your passion and support. I can’t wait to put on the greatest all-time show in the Octagon,” McGregor said
Rumors began emerging that the fight could be off after ESPN removed the promo for it. The UFC also responded by removing McGregor’s ‘free fights’ from YouTube. While Helwani expects the fight to go ahead, he admitted that there were tentative enquiries made about possible replacements.
Helwani Responds
“No news at the moment. The hope is still that the fight is on. There is positivity, I’d say. But they have sent out feelers to see who might be able to fill in, either as a replacement or an entirely new fight at the top of the bill. Still developing, and still some time,” Helwani stated
The uncertainty will only increase the talking points ahead of the fight. It has already set a UFC record for the biggest live gate, which will exceed $20 million. The tickets for the presser also sold out within nine minutes, showing there is a huge demand to see the fight take place. At 35, McGregor does not have too much time left in the UFC.
He has several other ventures to keep himself occupied, most recently his decision to become a part-owner in the BKFC. His focus seems elsewhere, as he was seen partying at the Black Forge pub with his fiancée with still around a month left to go to the fight. Although McGregor is financially secure, putting less pressure on him to fight, his legacy is on the line if he wants to go out on a high.
“That seems to be the general consensus these days. Don’t know what’s getting deleted quicker. His tweets or his legacy,” Michael Bisping stated
Current Card
Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler
Jamahal Hill vs. Carlos Ulberg
Joe Pyfer vs. Marc-Andre Barriault
Mayra Bueno Silva vs. Macy Chiasson
Ian Machado Garry vs. Michael Page
Cub Swanson vs. Andre Fili
Michelle Waterson-Gomez vs. Gillian Robertson
Carlos Hernandez vs. Rei Tsuruya
Ricky Simon vs. Vinicius Oliveira
Payton Talbott vs. Yanis Ghemmouri
Andrei Arlovski vs. Martin Buday
Charles Jourdain vs. Jean Silva
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