Conor McGregor’s withdrawal from UFC 303 due to an injury has sparked rumors and speculation about the real reason behind his absence. One prevailing theory suggested that McGregor wanted more money after seeing the high number of pre-orders for the event. However, UFC CEO Dana White debunked this rumor during an interview with The Jim Rome Show, stating that McGregor has never tried to renegotiate his contract or demand more money before a fight. According to White, McGregor’s injury is legitimate, and he has never exhibited such behavior in the past.
With McGregor out of the card, his scheduled opponent, Michael Chandler, is also no longer part of UFC 303. The UFC swiftly replaced the McGregor-Chandler fight with a light heavyweight title rematch between champion Alex Pereira and challenger Jiri Prochazka. Pereira had previously defeated Prochazka to win the vacant title in 2023, and both fighters are eager to step back into the Octagon for a shot at the 205-pound crown. Additionally, the co-main event will feature a featherweight clash between Diego Lopes and Brian Ortega, promising an exciting battle for fans during the event.
The UFC 303 main card will also include other notable matchups, such as Michael Venom Page facing Ian Machado Garry, Carlos Ulberg taking on Anthony Smith, and Mayra Bueno Silva squaring off against Macy Chiasson in a crucial women’s bantamweight fight. Despite McGregor’s absence, the UFC has put together a compelling lineup of fights for fans to enjoy during International Fight Week. The event will take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday, June 29, offering a night of thrilling MMA action for viewers around the world.
The full card for UFC 303 includes a mix of championship bouts, exciting matchups, and rising stars in the MMA world. The main event will see Alex Pereira defending his light heavyweight title against Jiri Prochazka, while Brian Ortega will face Diego Lopes in the co-main event. Additionally, Anthony Smith will go up against Carlos Ulberg, Mayra Bueno Silva will battle Macy Chiasson, and Ian Machado Garry will take on Michael Page. The preliminary and early preliminary cards are also packed with intriguing fights, featuring top contenders and promising prospects looking to make their mark in the UFC.
Although Conor McGregor’s absence is significant and will undoubtedly be felt on the UFC 303 card, the promotion has managed to create an engaging lineup of fights to entertain fans during the event. With a mix of title fights, exciting matchups, and rising stars, UFC 303 promises to deliver a night of high-octane MMA action for viewers worldwide. Despite the rumors surrounding McGregor’s withdrawal, the focus now shifts to the competitors who will step into the Octagon on June 29 and showcase their skills in the world’s premier MMA organization.
