Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler news and timeline: Will they fight at UFC 303?

Conor McGregor hasn't fought in an Octagon since 2021. It was unknown if the “Notorious One,” a two-division UFC champion, would ever compete again. Combat sports fans waited and were finally rewarded, as McGregor was booked to fight Michael Chandler at UFC 303 on June 29.

The same fans are now wondering about the status of the fight in Las Vegas.

A press conference to promote UFC 303 was scheduled for June 3 in Dublin, but was cancelled on the day of the event. The UFC released a statement and McGregor apologized later that day, saying “…a number of obstacles beyond our control” led to the cancellation.

This came 48 hours after UFC CEO Dana White said after UFC 302 that he was on his way to Dublin to meet with McGregor.

In consultation with the UFC, today's press conference has been cancelled due to a number of obstacles beyond our control. I apologize to my Irish fans and fans around the world for the inconvenience and am grateful for all of your passion and support. I can't wait to show the best…

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) June 3, 2024

McGregor and Chandler have been on a collision course since they finished coaching on The Ultimate Fighter 31 last year. Fighters from both teams have fought before, with Team Chandler dominating, and there were rumors they would face off at some point down the line, but nothing was agreed until later this year.

WATCH: UFC 303: Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler, exclusively on ESPN+

McGregor is recovering from a broken tibia sustained against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264. He has also been promoting his new movie, Road House, as well as his business ventures. In addition, McGregor has been involved in several controversies – two cases of dangerous driving, court hearings and social media disputes.

Chandler, meanwhile, was waiting for his next fight after being banned from competing for two years. He lost his last fight to Poirier at UFC 281.

What is the status of McGregor vs. Chandler at UFC 303?

Will Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler fight at UFC 303?

Since the cancellation of the UFC 303 press conference, there have been no updates on the status of the McGregor vs. Chandler fight. The fight is still on the UFC schedule page. In the meantime, Chandler posted on social media on June 4and apparently stated that the fight was still ongoing.

“Sow doubt. #UFC303 – Walk On. – See you at the top!”

Sow doubt. #UFC303
–
Move on.
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See you at the top! pic.twitter.com/9BrPLVsqyO

— Michael Chandler (@MikeChandlerMMA) June 4, 2024

Online, combat sports fans and media outlets have pointed out that several recent UFC videos featuring McGregor promoting UFC 303 have been removed.

The fight is currently underway, and White is expected to provide further updates when the UFC comes to Kentucky on June 8.

Sporting News will provide further details as they become available.

MORE: How much do tickets for UFC 303 cost?

Timeline McGregor vs. Chandler

• June 2021: McGregor undergoes surgery for his broken tibia.
• May 7, 2022: Chandler challenges McGregor to a fight after knocking out Tony Ferguson with a brutal front kick at UFC 274. McGregor reacts on social media, discussing the idea of ​​a fight.
• August 2022: McGregor will appear in the new film “Road House.”
• February 4, 2023: UFC announces The Ultimate Fighter 31 with coaching by McGregor and Chandler.
• 15 August 2023: The final episode of TUF 31 airs, with McGregor and Chandler hinting at a fight.
• October 11, 2023: McGregor returns to USADA testing pool. The UFC also announces it will end its partnership with USADA after 2023. USADA CEO Travis Tygart explains via MMA Fighting that the partnership “has become untenable in light of statements from UFC executives and others questioning USADA's principled stance that McGregor should not be allowed to fight without being in the testing pool for at least six months.”
• October 12, 2023: The UFC responds to Tygart, calling the allegations “disturbing” and threatening the organization with legal action
• October 28, 2023: McGregor undergoes his first doping test in two years and is reinstated in the USADA testing pool.
• October 29, 2023: McGregor announces (via MMA Junkie) an April target date for his UFC return.
• December 4, 2023: Chandler reveals on The MMA Hour that it's been a frustrating wait. He expects a fight against McGregor soon and is willing to keep waiting. “The door opens for that fight with Conor, whenever it's finally supposed to happen, it's going to happen, and I'm just at peace while I wait.”
• 17 February 2024: White is asked about McGregor's status. He says he was hoping for McGregor to return in the fall. As for any delays, White points to McGregor's surgery as well as money. “Any time we get Conor, we'll be thrilled to see him come back and fight,” White says of Sports Illustrated. “But money complicates things. He just shot a movie. He has to do the press work for the movie and that comes with obligations. He wants to fight this year, but we'll see what happens.”
• February 19, 2024: Chandler challenges McGregor to a fight during an episode of Monday Night Raw.
• March 19, 2024: McGregor tells ESPN via MMA Junkie: “We got confirmation a few days ago that everything is ready. 'The Mac' and 'The Notorious' will return to the UFC Octagon this summer.” McGregor also talks about his UFC contract, noting that he has two fights left on his contract.
• March 21, 2024: “Road House” premieres in the USA. McGregor goes on a major press tour.
• 14 April 2024: Dana White officially announces McGregor vs. Chandler for UFC 303 on June 29
• May 24, 2024: A press conference with McGregor and Chandler in the 3Arena in Dublin has been announced for June 3rd
• June 3, 2024: The press conference for McGregor vs. Chandler is postponed. Ariel Helwani explains that there are no injuries or anything similar to report at the moment.