Conor McGregor apologizes for UFC 303 press conference postponement

Josh Sanchez

Conor McGregor apologizes for UFC 303 press conference postponement image

Conor McGregor is apologizing to fans after the abrupt postponement of Monday's scheduled UFC 303 press conference at 3Arena in Dublin, Ireland, which was set to officially begin his comeback tour for the June 29 bout vs. Michael Chandler. 

The press conference was postponed on Monday morning, just 12 hours before it was set to begin. 

"The #UFC303 press conference scheduled for Monday, June 3rd in Dublin, Ireland at 3Arena has been postponed until further notice," the UFC wrote on X. "We sincerely apologize to all the fans who were planning to attend.  When we have further information on a new date and time, we will share it immediately. – Thank you."

UFC fans were left stunned, with many wondering what it meant for McGregor's return to the cage. 

McGregor later addressed the matter on social media, apologizing to the fans, citing "a series of obstacles outside of our control."

“In consultation with the UFC, today’s press conference was canceled due to a series of obstacles outside of our control,” McGregor wrote. “I apologize to my Irish fans, and fans around the world, for the inconvenience and appreciate all your passion and support. I can’t wait to put on the greatest all-time show in the Octagon.”

McGregor vs. Chandler has been in the works since February 2023, when both men were named coaches for season 31 of The Ultimate Fighter

The pay-per-view bout, which is scheduled to go down on June 29 in Las Vegas, Nevada, will be McGregor's first octagon appearance since July 10, 2021. The bout ended with McGregor suffering a gruesome leg fracture after a kick from Dustin Poirier. 

Chandler, meanwhile, has not fought since November 2022, when he suffered a submission loss to Poirier. 

Now, McGregor and Chandler will get to settle their differences in the cage as they look to get back into the win column. 

Josh Sanchez

Josh Sanchez Photo

Josh Sanchez is an MMA contributor for Sporting News, along with serving as the managing editor of Cowboys FanNation on SI. After majoring in journalism at Seton Hill University, Josh began his writing career and has since had his work featured on SportsIllustrated.com, FOXSports.com, CBSSports.com, and many more.