Michael Chandler has suggested his fight with Conor McGregor could be off, prompting an angry response from the former two-weight UFC champion.
McGregor, 36, has not fought since breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 back in 2021.
He was expected to make his long-awaited return to the octagon against Chandler at UFC 303 on June 29, only to pull out of the event in Las Vegas after breaking his toe.
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A new date for the fight is yet to be announced, with doubts growing over whether it will ever take place.
Last month, UFC president Dana White admitted he is unsure when McGregor will make his return and said he was "not even thinking" about it.
"Conor, I don't know when he will be back," White told TNT Sports ahead of UFC 304 in Manchester.
"When Conor is ready to go he'll let me know so I'm not even thinking about it or talking about Conor right now."
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Chandler, 38, has now suggested the McGregor fight could be dead in the water.
In a fiery exchange between the two men on X, Chandler posted: "Nevermind guys… I think it's time I finally admit the fight is off.
"He's still in stage 2 of the 7 of grief pertaining to his career being over. Figured he'd be closer to 5 by now. Godspeed."
McGregor hit back by reaffirming his commitment to returning to the UFC in December, albeit potentially against a different opponent.
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"My man, it was an abysmal choice for fighter. Be real with yourself, please. Horrific! And yes I look forward to December! It was going to be big bear originally for my camp but now it will be Colorado Springs instead! Better facilities," he posted.
"Where the US Olympic athletes train! I arrive summer end. I will be ready for what you bring and yes you will be doing your backflip alright but it will from of the speed and accuracy of my back hand that will be making you flip.
"I'm going to flip you like a pancake."
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McGregor then went on to suggest he could look to replace Chandler with BMF champion Max Holloway.
In another response to Chandler's post, McGregor wrote: "? lol ok lil bro. Swapped out handy. @BlessedMMA what you at December? The real bmf, you know."
McGregor and Holloway previously fought at UFC Fight Night 26 in 2013, with the Irishman winning via the judges' scorecards.
Topics: UFC, Conor McGregor, Michael Chandler, Dana White, Injury
Rory O'Callaghan