CON THE WAY OUT?
UFC already ‘putting out feelers’ for Conor McGregor fight replacement as Michael Chandler hints UFC 303 bout is OFF
The Return of the Mac is seemingly in major doubt
THE UFC are reportedly drawing up contingency plans in case Conor McGregor's return falls through.
The Notorious is slated to make his long-awaited cage comeback later this month in the main event of UFC 303 in Las Vegas.
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McGregor is set to be welcomed back to the octagon by fellow fan favourite Michael Chandler, although there are currently huge concerns the fight will be axed.
The concerns stem from the cancellation of a pre-fight press conference hours before it was scheduled to take place in Dublin on Monday.
Conspiracy theories are rife about the Return of the Mac, with some fans and fighters convinced McGregor may be injured.
There is no indication, however, that McGregor is in any way shape or form compromised, although it's been sensationally claimed the UFC are exploring potential options to replace the fight.
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That's according to veteran mixed martial arts journalist Ariel Helwani, who wrote on X: "The hope is still that the fight is on.
"There is positivity, I'd say.
"But they have sent out feelers to see who might be able to fill in, either as a replacement or an entirely new fight at the top of the bill.
"Still developing, and still some time."
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The sensational report sent shockwaves throughout the MMA world, which was further rocked by Chandler's apparent hint that he's left his training camp.
Chandler, 37, has been preparing for the biggest fight of his career at Kill Cliff FC in Deerfield, Florida.
Conor McGregor spars for UFC comeback against Michael Chandler
But the former three-time Bellator lightweight champion took to Instagram on Tuesday to suggest he's back home in Nashville.
Along with a training photo of himself, Chandler wrote: "If you’re looking for me, I’ll be out in Tennessee.
"No way out of the life we chose… Walk On. See you at the top!"
Fight fans were quick to assume the worst after seeing the post, with one writing: "It’s so over, FFS."
Another said: "Blud wasted 2 years for nothing."
And another said: "Fights off for sure, that caption says it all.
"Chin up champ, you’re worth more than that."
One remarked: "First time not using the hashtag #UFC303."
Another chimed in: "We don't need that cryptic s**t."
Former two-weight division champion McGregor has yet to quell suggestions his comeback fight may be off.
He did, however, break his silence in a statement apologising for the cancellation of the press conference.
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McGregor, 35, hasn't set foot inside the octagon since breaking his left leg in his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier nearly three years ago.
SunSport has reached out to the Ultimate Fighting Championship for comment.