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Conor McGregor, Michael Chandler news conference postponed

The UFC announced Monday that it has postponed a news conference featuring Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler that was scheduled to take place in Dublin later in the day.

The organization did not provide a reason for the announcement. The conference was supposed to be held at 3Arena to promote a June 29 nontitle welterweight fight between McGregor (22-6) and Chandler (23-8) at UFC 303 in Las Vegas.

UFC CEO Dana White gave no indication that the news conference was in jeopardy on Saturday when he spoke to the media at UFC 302 in Newark, New Jersey. White was expected to attend the Dublin event, which was open to the public. Fans did not have to purchase tickets, but all tickets that were made available had been claimed.

On Monday afternoon, a statement was posted on McGregor's official page on X.

"In consultation with the UFC, todays press conference was cancelled due to a series of obstacles outside of our control," he said in the post. "I apologize to my Irish fans, and fans around the world, for the inconvenience and appreciate all your passion and support. I can't wait to put on the greatest all-time show in the Octagon."

McGregor, 35, has not fought since he suffered a broken leg during a TKO loss to Dustin Poirier in July 2021. He has referred to his return at UFC 303 as "the greatest comeback in sports history." According to White, the event is expected to produce a live gate revenue in excess of $20 million for the first time in UFC history.

Chandler hasn't commented on the postponement. The two fighters appeared as opposite coaches on "The Ultimate Fighter" reality series in 2023.