The drama surrounding Conor McGregor’s impending return to the octagon has already begun to create drama, with the UFC making a shock move on Monday (AEST).
Just 12 hours prior to McGregor’s scheduled press conference in his home town of Dublin, the promotion released a statement cancelling the event.
The 35-year-old was slated to go face-to-face with his next opponent, Michael Chandler, with less than a month until the pair square off inside the cage at UFC 303.
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“The UFC 303 press conference scheduled for Monday June 3rd in Dublin, Ireland at 3Arena has been postponed until further notice,” an official statement said.
Conor McGregor is slated to return to the UFC this month. Getty
“We sincerely apologise to all the fans who were planning to attend. When we have further information on a new date and time, we will share it immediately.”
At the same time as the announcement, Chandler was posting training and food photos via his Instagram account and was clearly not in Ireland for the presser.
The last-minute cancellation – which is a rarity for the UFC, especially with a big name such as McGregor – has prompted speculation regarding the status of the fight.
The polarising McGregor was spotted partying over the weekend, leading to question marks over his preparations for the long-awaited showdown with Chandler.
McGregor hasn’t posted on his own social media since the cancellation.
A former two-division world champion, “The Notorious” hasn’t fought in the UFC since mid-2021, suffering a horrific broken leg in his lightweight bout against Dustin Poirier.
During his time away from fighting, McGregor has instead focused on outside ventures, including a leading role in the “Road House” film earlier this year.