The abrupt, unexplained cancellation of a UFC 303 press conference in Conor McGregor‘s hometown of Dublin has left fans scratching their heads. The Dana White-led promotion has been conspicuous by its silence on the reasons behind this move. Conor McGregor did come out with a tweet apologizing to fans for the media day being called off. The Irishman, too, however, did not shed any light on why this happened and cited vaguely the reason for the cancellation.

The abruptness and strange silence from all parties involved have animated fans who have come up with various theories, most of them related to McGregor. Fans have even started questioning if McGregor will even fight on UFC 303. And Chael Sonnen thinks that if this indeed happens, and McGregor withdraws from UFC 303, it would mean an end to the Irishman’s legendary fighting career.

Sonnen sees the end of Conor McGregor’s career if he pulls out

While there is no reason to think that Conor McGregor’s UFC 303 comeback bout against Michael Chandler on June 29 is in any kind of jeopardy, a section of fans is worried. While there are still more than twenty days to the bout, and anything can happen, it does seem that some are reading too much into the press conference cancellation. And verbose UFC analysts and former superstar Chael Sonnen, discussing the cancellation of the press conference, was surprised at it since he felt it would have been a lay-up for combat sport’s biggest showman, who excels at them.

Sonnen did feel there was something suspicious about how the whole press conference affair had unfolded and speculated not everything was hunk-dory in the background. The former middleweight title contender claimed, “When this [press conference in Dublin] did get canceled, what does it mean more long term if Conor McGregor does not fight Michael Chandler on June 29th, which I think he’s going to. If he doesn’t, I would go a step further as to tell you that will be the announcement of his retirement,” he said on his ‘Good Guy/Bad Guy’ Show. However, Sonnen did point out that he thinks the fight will go on as expected.

While some may find Sonnen’s view that McGregor will have virtually retired if he pulls out of UFC 303 absurd, there is a good reason for this. ‘Mac’ has never pulled out of a fight in his UFC career, and even fought injured, on occasion, as he did against Chad Mendes back in 2015. And him breaking this for the first time would certainly raise many serious questions. McGregor, however, has promised he will show up.

McGregor’s message after press conference cancelation

With no explanations forthcoming from the UFC or Michael Chandler, Conor McGregor took to Twitter and addressed the last-minute calling off of the press conference. He claimed that this was done “In consultation with the UFC,” due to “a series of obstacles outside of our control.” The former champion then tendered an apology to Irish fans especially, who were eagerly looking forward to attending the event, and fans generally who were awaiting to see the showman in his natural habitat, where he is at his loquacious, and verbose best.

I apologize to my Irish fans, and fans around the world, for the inconvenience and appreciate all your passion and support,” he said. Addressing the concerns around his clash with Chandler, the Irishman promised he would be back in the octagon on June 29, and that he “can’t wait to put on the greatest all-time show in the Octagon.” 

What are your thoughts about the whole affair? Drop your views in the comments below.