McGregor's UFC Return Delayed Due to Injury

Conor McGregor's highly anticipated return to the UFC has been put on hold due to an undisclosed injury. The 35-year-old fighter announced the news on Saturday, expressing disappointment but assuring his fans that it was only a temporary setback. The fight against Michael Chandler in UFC 303 later this month has been canceled, UFC president Dana White confirmed on Thursday.

Conor McGregor's eagerly awaited comeback to the UFC octagon has been put on hold after the Irish fighter sustained an injury that will require more time to heal than was available before his scheduled fight at UFC 303 later this month.

McGregor's UFC Return Delayed Due to Injury

The news was confirmed by McGregor himself on Saturday through an Instagram post where he expressed his disappointment but emphasized that it was just a temporary setback. "Very tough to be ruled out of my scheduled return bout," wrote the 35-year-old fighter. "I picked up an injury prior to the press conference that required more time to heal than was available to me."

McGregor's return to the UFC had been highly anticipated after a lengthy absence from the sport. The former two-division champion was expected to face Michael Chandler in a highly-touted matchup. However, speculation that the fight was in jeopardy arose when McGregor's news conference in Dublin on June 3 was abruptly canceled the day of the event.

McGregor's UFC Return Delayed Due to Injury

UFC president Dana White confirmed the postponement of the fight on Thursday, stating that the decision was made in consultation with McGregor's doctors, the UFC, and his team. "The decision to postpone the fight was not made lightly," said McGregor in his statement. "My fans and opponent deserve me at my best for this fight, and we will get there!"

McGregor did not reveal the nature of his injury or indicate when he expected to return to the octagon. White announced that UFC 303 would proceed with a revised co-main event featuring Alex Pereira facing off against Jiri Prochazka, followed by Brian Ortega and Diego Lopes.

McGregor's UFC Return Delayed Due to Injury

McGregor's injury represents a significant setback in his plans to make a triumphant return to the UFC. The Irishman has been out of action since suffering a devastating leg break in his trilogy fight against Dustin Poirier in July 2021. He had been working towards a comeback for over a year and had been actively promoting his return on social media.

Despite the disappointment, McGregor remains confident in his recovery and expects to return to the octagon at full strength. "I am in good spirits and confident I'll be back!" he wrote in his Instagram post. "Thank you for the messages of support."

UFC fans will now have to wait longer to see McGregor back in action. The Irishman's return had been one of the most highly anticipated events in the UFC calendar, and his absence will undoubtedly leave a void on the card. However, McGregor's determination to return at his best is a testament to his fighting spirit, and fans can expect him to come back stronger than ever when he eventually steps back into the octagon.