A cloud of uncertainty hovers over the main event of UFC 303. Rumors have it that Dana White is actively searching for a replacement for Conor McGregor, and may even be considering throwing a new fight altogether. In the midst of this uproar, UFC legend Chael Sonnen said McGregor was irreplaceable.
Chael Sonnen’s Bold Statement: No One Can Replace Mcgregor
Dana White recently announced that UFC 303 broke all gate records, giving fans hope that McGregor’s return is imminent. But the canceled Dublin press conference has raised doubts again. Veteran MMA commentator Ariel Helwani has added fuel to the fire by suggesting the UFC is looking for another special event. But Chael Sonnen insists McGregor’s absence will be a huge blow.
“Red Panty Night is real. There’s only one Conor McGregor… he beat his own records. The top ten doors in UFC history… he has another ten. So I thought he could come in and still do something meaningful… It’s amazing,” Sonnen said. He insisted replacing McGregor was not an option. “So if you ask me if [he] needs to change anything, what’s the blow? No no, there’s only one Conor McGregor.”
Alternatives: Holloway vs. Chandler for the BMF belt?
While Sonnen believes McGregor is irreplaceable, he did offer an alternative. If McGregor doesn’t show up on June 29, Sonnen suggests a BMF fight between Michael Chandler and Max Holloway. “The only close one you could do would be Max Holloway, 155 [pounds], and a BMF belt, but since that’s all you could do, they could just pull off Chandler altogether,” he added.
Fan Response: Demand Refunds And Fight Others
Fans don’t believe Sonnen’s comments and are venting their disappointment. With McGregor’s uncertain return, many are asking for a refund. Some fans believe McGregor’s appeal has waned in recent years. One fan apparently said, “McGregor sucks, bring the UFC 303 refund,” while another said, “Nobody cares about Conor except his fan boys and not for long.”
Suggestion From Fans: Pereira Vs. Pereira Prochazka
Fans even suggested replacing themselves in the main event. Some believe the return of Alex Pereira and Jiri Prochazka would be worthy replacements. “Bring on Periera VS Jiri 2 for it,” one fan suggested. Others would also like to see an Islam Makhachev post, like the way he saved the card for UFC 302. “Islam will be more than save this card tbh,” one fan said.
Another fan suggested, “Make Ilya vs. Ilya. Just a Max book,” because they believe Max Holloway should get his title shot against Ilya Topuria instead of facing Chandler.
Speculation Goes: Is Mcgregor’s Absence A Publicity Stunt?
Despite the uncertainty, some fans believe that McGregor will show up and that the current drama is only there to build hype. “Connor will be there on June 29th. I’ll bet my left foot on it,” said one fan confidently. Others see the ongoing storyline as part of a strategy to draw more attention to McGregor’s long-awaited comeback.
The situation surrounding UFC 303 remains fluid, with Dana White’s search for a potential McGregor replacement causing widespread speculation and frustration among fans and whether McGregor will indeed return and whether he will fight a new one will appeal remains to be seen. As the days of UFC 303 approach, fans and fighters eagerly await the decision.
