Michael Chandler issues classy response to Conor McGregor's UFC 303 withdrawal

Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler were set to clash at UFC 303 in Las Vegas but the fight was postponed.

The pair were due to go toe to toe at the T-Mobile Arena on June 29 but, due to an injury, Conor McGregor was forced to pull out of the fight.

The bout was set to see the much-anticipated return of McGregor following a potentially career-ending leg injury against long-term rival Dustin Poirier in July 2021.

Instead, UFC president Dana White confirmed that light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira will face Jiri Prochazka as the replacement main event.

And McGregor’s opponent Michael Chandler has finally responded to the news that the fight will not be taking place this summer.

Writing on X, Chandler said: “I’m here, just as in 2009 when I started. The most reliable man in MMA. See you when I see you.”

Following the announcement that the fight was off, McGregor confirmed his injury on social media.

Writing on X, the Irishman announced: “Very tough to be ruled out of my scheduled return bout. I picked up an injury prior to the press conference that required more time to heal than was available to me.

“The decision to postpone the fight was not made lightly, but one made in consultation with my doctors, the UFC, and my team.

“My fans and opponent deserve me at my best for this fight and we will get there!”

And, replying to McGregor’s post, Chandler wished his future opponent well, saying: “No hard feelings. Heal up. My heart is full. See you soon.”

Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler faced off as coaches during 'The Ultimate Fighter' in March 2023. (Image: Getty)

Former Bellator lightweight champion Chandler’s last fight inside the octagon came nearly two years ago, after he lost to Poirier at UFC 281.

Since then, the American has waited on the side-lines in anticipation for the mega fight with McGregor, who he called out in May 2022 after delivering a highlight reel knockout against UFC veteran Tony Ferguson.

And it won’t be the first time that the pair have clashed, after both men participated as coaches in the UFC’s reality television series ‘The Ultimate Fighter.’

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