In a surprising turn of events, the highly anticipated UFC 303 main event between Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler has been canceled.
UFC CEO Dana White announced the cancellation on Thursday night, revealing that McGregor had to withdraw from the fight due to an injury.
UFC 303 International Fight Week June 29th pic.twitter.com/P47PSsKcg0
— danawhite (@danawhite) June 14, 2024
New Main Event: Pereira vs. Prochazka
With McGregor out, the UFC has quickly reshuffled the card, and the new main event will feature Alex Pereira taking on Jiří Prochazka for the light heavyweight title.
This matchup promises to deliver fireworks, as both fighters are known for their explosive fighting styles.
Pereira last fought Prochazka in November, securing a TKO victory to claim the light heavyweight championship.
Fans can expect an intense rematch with high stakes on the line.
Co-Main Event: Ortega vs. Lopes
The co-main event has also been updated. Former featherweight champion Brian Ortega will face rising star Diego Lopes.
This bout adds another layer of excitement to the event, as Ortega aims to reclaim his place among the featherweight elite, while Lopes looks to make a significant impact in the division.
Other Card Changes
Originally, the co-main event was set to feature Jamahal Hill vs. Carlos Ulberg. However, Hill’s injury forced the UFC to make adjustments.
While the card has undergone significant changes, the new lineup still promises a thrilling night of fights.
The McGregor vs. Chandler Saga
The cancellation of McGregor vs. Chandler had been anticipated for several days. Last week’s sudden press conference cancellation hinted at trouble, and the UFC’s search for replacement fights on Thursday confirmed fans’ fears.
McGregor was set to make his comeback after a hiatus since 2021, but his return will now be postponed.
There is hope that the McGregor vs. Chandler fight will be rescheduled for later this year. According to MMA Hour’s Ariel Helwani, discussions are underway to move the fight to August or September, depending on McGregor’s recovery.
Looking Forward to UFC 303
Despite the changes, UFC 303 remains a must-watch event. The new headliner, Pereira vs. Prochazka, is sure to deliver an action-packed fight, and the Ortega vs. Lopes bout adds additional intrigue.
Stay tuned for more updates on UFC 303 and the potential rescheduling of McGregor vs. Chandler. The world of MMA is always full of surprises, and this event is no exception.
For the latest news and updates on UFC 303, keep following our blog. We’ll provide you with all the information you need to stay in the know about this exciting event.
