Conor McGregor breaks silence on UFC 303, Michael Chandler gives his official statement, Ryan Garcia gets in a brawl: MMA News Roundup
Conor McGregor has finally opened up about the canceled (or postponed) UFC 303 fight against Michael Chandler. The latter has also given his official statement on the matter.
Here are the top stories from the world of combat sports, brought to you by Sportskeeda MMA.
Conor McGregor issues statement on UFC 303
Days after Dana White announced that Conor McGregor was out of the UFC 303 main event on International Fight Week, the Irishman broke his silence on the matter and issued a statement. He confirmed that he suffered an injury but didn't disclose the nature of it, writing on social media:
"Very tough to be ruled out of my scheduled return bout. I picked up an injury prior to the press conference that required more time to heal than was available to me.
"The decision to postpone the fight was not made lightly, but one made in consultation with my doctors, the UFC, and my team. My fans and opponent deserve me at my best for this fight and we will get there! Thank you for the messages of support, I am in good spirits and confident I’ll be back!"
The UFC 303 pay-per-view card will now be headlined by a light heavyweight title rematch between Alex Pereira and Jiri Prochazka.
The co-main event will feature Brian Ortega against Diego Lopes instead of Jamahal Hill vs. Carlos Ulberg. Hill is out with a reported injury. Ulberg will face Anthony Smith down the card.
Michael Chandler reacts to Conor McGregor's injury and pullout
After Conor McGregor confirmed his injury publicly, his scheduled UFC opponent Michael Chandler also issued an official statement on the matter, tweeting:
"Official statement: "I'm here, just as in 2009 when I started. The most reliable man in MMA. See you when I see you."
He reacted to McGregor's statement positively, wishing him a quick recovery:
"No hard feelings. Heal up. My heart is full. See you soon."
Ryan Garcia and Caleb Plant get into a beer-throwing brawl
Ryan Garcia once again made himself the center of attention while attending the Gervonta Davis vs. Frank Martin fight on Saturday night. After 'Tank' won the fight via an eight-round KO, Plant was caught on camera throwing a beer at Garcia.
The act sparked an instant brawl among the crowd, but neither man came to blows as security quickly intervened to keep them apart. While Plant's transgression may seem unprovoked, it was likely triggered by Garcia's latest comments about the former's "side girl".
Here's a better angle of the melee:
Read the fan reactions to the incident here.