Ariel Helwani provides major update amid claims Conor McGregor vs Michael Chandler's UFC 303 bout is off

Journalist Ariel Helwani has provided a major update on the status of UFC 303 amid claims the main event could be called off.

Last week there were fears UFC 303's main event between Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler was off, following the short-notice cancellation of a pre-fight press conference in Dublin.

The cancelation triggered several online conspiracy theories and unsubstantiated claims McGregor had suffered an injury.

While the UFC have not yet commented on the status of the fight, Sunday then saw the promotion share a gripping trailer advertising their latest pay-per-view card, which inadvertently quelled fears McGregor and Chandler's bout was off.

However, Helwani has provided a worrying update on the status of the event, claiming the UFC are pessimistic about it taking place.

Writing on X Helwani said: "Around this time last week, all the anxiety surrounding the UFC 303 main event seemed to start to dissipate.

"By Wednesday, no more feelers about replacements were being sent out. All systems seemed to be a go (again).

"Later in the week, Chandler did an interview with The Pivot about it being all good, and on Saturday UFC was promoting it again on the ABC fight night telecast. There was a scare about the fight being off and the scare appeared to be no more.

"But since this morning, multiple sources are now saying feelers are being sent out again for June 29.

Conor McGregor's UFC return looks to be in jeopardy (Getty)

"For a replacement and/or new fight(s). In short, there seems to pessimism all over again regarding the status of the 303 main event. Actually even more pessimism - it seems - than on Monday last week after the presser was cancelled at the last minute.

"Is this insurance? Due diligence? Emergency replacement mode? Remains to be seen. It's all developing (again). But it doesn't appear as though we are out of the woods either way just yet. More to come, and hopefully a definitive answer one way or the other In short order."

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