Conor McGregor took to Instagram to announce that a broken toe was the reason behind his withdrawal from the headline bout against Michael Chandler at UFC 303. McGregor revealed that the injury occurred during a training session where he failed to wear full protective gear, resulting in his toe hitting an elbow and breaking clean. He emphasized the need for a few weeks of recovery to ensure he can return to the octagon at full strength.
Expressing his commitment to delivering a top-notch performance for his team and fans, McGregor stated that he could not justify entering the fight while hindered by the injury. He assured his supporters that his next appearance would showcase a 100% fit Conor McGregor, acknowledging the expectations of his fans and the importance of delivering a stellar performance.
As a replacement for the McGregor-Chandler match, light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira is set to face top-ranked challenger Jiri Prochazka in the main event scheduled for June 29 in Las Vegas. Despite the change in opponents, McGregor affirmed his intention to return to the octagon, emphasizing his readiness to compete regardless of the matchup.
McGregor also addressed the financial aspect of the situation, highlighting the significant pay disparity between his intended bout with Chandler and potential alternative matchups. He pointed out that Chandler was set to earn ten times more for the fight, making it a financially lucrative opportunity for his opponent.
For McGregor, the decision to prioritize his recovery and ensure a strong comeback superseded the immediate financial gains, underscoring his dedication to delivering a remarkable performance for his fans. The UFC 303 event promises to be an exciting showcase of talent, with Pereira and Prochazka stepping into the spotlight as the new main event fighters.
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