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Conor McGregor Withdraws from UFC 303

Conor McGregor, the charismatic former two-weight UFC champion, has been forced to withdraw from his highly anticipated return at UFC 303 due to a toe injury. The bout against Michael Chandler on June 29 was set to mark McGregor's comeback after a three-year hiatus, but fate had other plans.

McGregor's Injury Woes

McGregor, 35, revealed last week that he had broken his toe, sharing images of his severely swollen foot. For the first time in his UFC career, the Irishman decided to pull out of a fight, emphasizing that he would not compete while injured. McGregor has a storied history of fighting through injuries, famously claiming that his foot was as swollen as a "balloon" during his 2018 clash with Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Behind-the-Scenes Footage Reveals the Extent

In his Netflix docuseries, behind-the-scenes footage captured the exact moment McGregor suffered the toe injury. Astonishingly, he had his doctor dislocate and painfully reset the injured toe. Despite the setback, McGregor's indomitable spirit shone through as he vowed to return stronger and injury-free.

McGregor's Statement

“I’m still here rocking away. I had a little lapse in concentration, so I had to reschedule the belt, so I’m a little upset about that. But it’s keeping me dialled in. It’s keeping me focused. The job is not done.”

McGregor attended Bellator Dublin to address his fans and explain his decision to withdraw. He expressed his frustration but also his determination to come back better than ever.

What's Next for McGregor?

The Notorious one is now focused on his recovery and ensuring he is 100% fit for his next bout. He acknowledged that in the past he has given his opponents undeserved advantages by fighting injured, but this time he is committed to perfection.

“If I was any one of these other little bums that can’t move, that have no footwork, that don’t rely on their skills, then I would be OK. And I’ve done it before. I’ve made the walk a multitude of times in those circumstances and given these bums an advantage over me that they don’t even deserve. So now I’m dialling it in, I’m getting this training camp correct, I’m walking in there 100 per cent Conor McGregor, injury free. Perfection is on the menu with me, and that’s it.”

Conclusion

McGregor's withdrawal from UFC 303 is undoubtedly a setback, but it also signals a more calculated and focused approach from the fighter. Fans can expect to see McGregor back in the octagon, fully recovered and ready to deliver the perfection he promises. Until then, the MMA world will be eagerly awaiting his return.

Editor: Yana Davydiuk