The recent and sudden cancellation of the UFC 303 press conference in Dublin has opened furioso debate, with fans and experts wondering the future of Conor McGregor’s much awaited rematch bout with Michael Chandler. With the event postponed at the last hour right before it was to begin, rumbling of doubt have spread out within the MMA community that has intensified more concern and heightened discussions about the upcoming headlined fight.
When the UFC announced the postponement of the event through its official e-mail, fans were quick to lavish themselves in a mix of speculation and expectation, fueled by unexplained circumstances outside the plans of the promotion. Due to the lack of information and the fact that this decision was announced on the eve of the fight, fan hypotheses are as diverse as the mere organizational issues, and the more sinister connotations within the context of the fighters’ preparation.
McGregor’s Mystery Injury
Former UFC fighter and active fighter (FREE) for Strikeforce, Josh Thomson, has elaborated on certain possible causes of McGregor’s missing. It has been reported by Thomson in a story with sources that post might be struggling with some kind of injuries and therefore he might not be in the right condition to face the next battle that awaits him. Thus, while McGregor has not posted any information about the incident on his Twitter page or any other website, and there is no statement from the UFC either, the fans remain tense.
Thomson’s leakages has given a glimpse on what went down behind the scenes and as much as it suggest an injury obstacle that might hinder McGregor’s participation in fight event. The subtle mischievous tone of the posts is typical of McGregor, who maintains his fans actively decode every message to know his state of health and details of his preparation.
Signs of Trouble: Analyzing Strange Choices of Dana White
Recently, Vera has initiated some actions that have created further speculation of UFC 303. MMA community was shook with reports of the event being removed from the PPV listings, not to mention McGregor’s official channels were scrubbed clean. Given the lack of public statements by the UFC management, the lack of any kind of public comment can only heighten the growing sense of anticipation on the future of what looked like a mouth-watering main event match.
The absence of promotion materials plus the complete disappearance of McGregor related content on social networking sites has left the fans wondering the authenticity of the promotion. While some consider such actions as mere normal practice just before the major fights are due, other are inclined to regard them as indications of the likely event cancellation.
Fan Reaction: Combining the Calls of Fear and Hope
At that, fans have been active arguing a complex range of emotions, including worry, anger, and hope. While some will always believe that McGregor will indeed finally step into the Octagon on June 29, others will entertain fears and doubts as to whether the much anticipated bout might fail to materialize.
Several fans and enthusiasts have raised questions on the current state of McGregor and why the UFC has not been clear on his situation, in a way that people would understand, and why the UFC has not been held accountable for its actions towards McGregor. Some have expressed pessimism and lack of confidence with the delay and stops and starts of the event as finalization and conclusive are just a momentary interruption toward an ultimate clash that is expected to be a skillful duel between two giants in the field.
