Michael Chandler is asked to fight Max Holloway for the BMF belt if the fight with Conor McGregor at UFC 303 fails

Michael Chandler has been pushed to challenge for a BMF championship fight against Max Holloway if a planned bout against his rival Conor McGregor later this month at UFC 303 is cancelled – amid ongoing speculation about the pairing.

Speculation has been rife this week about this month's UFC 303 welterweight main event between McGregor and Chandler, with the promoter cancelling a pre-fight press conference at Dublin's 3Arena just hours before the contest was due to take place in the Irish capital.

And since the UFC does not make its cards public regarding a possible rescheduling of a previously postponed duel, it has been the subject of much speculation – as has Dublin striker McGregor, who commented on the cancellation of the press conference on social media last night.

McGregor reportedly canceled his own media commitments with the UFC's broadcast partners, claiming that “obstacles” beyond the promoter's control forced the cancellation of the press event in Dublin's Docklands, before confirming that he was still preparing for his comeback in the Octagon.

And amid further speculation that the former two-weight champion may be carrying an injury into his scheduled fight against Chandler at UFC 303 during International Fight Week later this month, a number of potential fights have been mooted as replacements for the duo should the clash fall through.

From events like a light heavyweight rematch between reigning champion Alex Pereira and former gold medalist Jiri Prochazka to a short-notice BMF title fight between Chandler – to keep him on the card – and champion Holloway.

Michael Chandler to face Max Holloway at UFC 303

According to former title challenger Chael Sonnen, an Oregon native, McGregor is expected to face Chandler on June 29. If all else fails, Holloway is expected to be drafted to fight the former Bellator MMA star.

“But I’ll tell you one thing: There will be no postponement of this fight,” said Chael Sonnen on Good guy / Bad guy. “Either they fight on the 29th or we go ahead. Oh yeah, and the show will still happen. I think Conor will face Michael Chandler, I can tell you that with great certainty. If not, then Michael Chandler will fight Max Holloway for the BMF. Michael Chandler Urged To Fight Max Holloway For BMF Belt If Conor McGregor Clash At UFC 303 Fails is the fight for the book.”

In addition, prior to confirming the cancellation of the press conference yesterday, UFC CEO Dana White confirmed during his media appearance to the assembled reporters following UFC 302 over the weekend that a BMF championship fight is currently in the planning stages.

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