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Conor McGregor's much-anticipated return to the Octagon has been postponed once again. The Irish MMA superstar, who was set to face Michael Chandler in Las Vegas on June 29, surprised fans with a new bald look after announcing his withdrawal due to injury.

McGregor's Unexpected Exit

The UFC world was abuzz with speculation following the abrupt cancellation of a scheduled June 3 press conference in Dublin. After weeks of silence, UFC President Dana White confirmed that McGregor's comeback fight was officially off. White revealed that McGregor had sustained an injury severe enough to prevent him from stepping into the cage.

"Very tough to be ruled out of my scheduled return bout," McGregor posted online. "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!"

Chandler's Disappointment and Pereira's Opportunity

Michael Chandler, McGregor's intended opponent, expressed his disappointment but wished McGregor a speedy recovery. In the meantime, UFC light-heavyweight champion Alex Pereira has been called in to rematch Jiří Prochazka on short notice, filling the void left by McGregor's absence.

McGregor's Injury History

McGregor, 35, has not fought since July 2021 when he suffered a horrific leg break against Dustin Poirier. This latest injury has fueled speculation about whether it is related to his previous leg injury. Despite his reputation for fighting through pain, this marks the first time McGregor has ever pulled out of a scheduled UFC bout.

Future Prospects

Fans and analysts alike are now looking ahead to a potential rescheduled fight later in the year. August or September has been suggested as the likely new date for McGregor vs. Chandler. As White stated, the UFC will wait until McGregor is fully healed before making any further announcements.

McGregor's determination to return at his best is evident, and his fans remain hopeful for a triumphant comeback. The UFC landscape continues to shift, but one thing is certain – the world will be watching when McGregor steps back into the Octagon.

Editor: Emiliia Morozova