Topuria Slams McGregor’s UFC 303 Withdrawal – ‘You Are Mentally Broken’
Ilia Topuria, the UFC Featherweight Champion, has slammed Conor McGregor following his pullout from UFC 303.
McGregor withdrew from his fight with Michael Chandler following a toe injury. There were various rumors going around over the nature of the withdrawal. Chael Sonnen allegedly stated that the Irishman was in rehab, as he ruled out a fight happening this year. McGregor’s team shut that down as the Irishman posted pictures of his injured toe. The pictures drew criticism from some in the MMA community, with Islam Makhachev calling McGregor a chicken for making too much noise over the injury. McGregor recently said he hopes to return by August/September, putting him in contention to headline at The Sphere in Las Vegas.
Topuria vs. McGregor
“We just adjust. Everything is moving. Everything is moving parts, so I’m good. The injury is a nuisance. It’s painful. I’m not going to lie. It’s very, very painful – probably even more than the leg, and that’s the truth. I’ll tell you why: The leg was at least wrapped up. I couldn’t access it. The foot is just there still. It’s like it’s exposed or something. It’s a bit painful, but it comes with the territory. I need to just dial it in, get my training camps correct.August-September … August-September, I’d love. You know the way it is. I’m in recovery mode,” McGregor said
Nevertheless, Topuria has questioned McGregor’s mentality which will only increase the anticipation to see these two fight.
“You are mentally broken. That is your biggest lesson. You doubt yourself, your abilities, your preparation, that’s why you don’t show up,” Topuria stated
Chandler On McGregor
Michael Chandler also had plenty to say about McGregor’s recent withdrawal. Chandler has been waiting for the fight since they came across as rival coaches on the TUF 31 series. The anticipation for the fight had been building. The live gate set a new UFC record as it exceeded $20 million. The tickets for the press conference also sold out in nine minutes, making it a huge event. The presser was canceled last minute, as McGregor’s injury was confirmed.
Chandler is now 38. He could have chosen to remain active following his last fight in 2022 against Dustin Poirier, which ended in defeat at UFC 281. Since then, Chandler has said he is open to facing Max Holloway. Holloway is the BMF Champion, a belt he acquired after knocking out Justin Gaethje in the last round at UFC 300. Beating Holloway makes the McGregor fight even bigger. While Chandler has a choice over where to go next, he still fired verbals shots at McGregor after he made an appearance at the Bellator Champions Series in Dublin.
“Speaking of showing up to events…glad you finally made it to the 3Arena where the press conference was supposed to be June 3rd. Sweet slippers. Who’s the Bellator Tick now? @TheNotoriousMMA,” Chandler revealed
While there is still a demand to see McGregor return, it is vital he comes back when he is 100 percent. But at 35, are McGregor’s best days behind him?
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