On eve of UFC 303, Conor McGregor admits to experiencing ‘deep mental pain’

Conor McGregor is struggling with the thought of not fighting at UFC 303.

McGregor (22-6 MMA, 10-4 UFC) was set to return vs. Michael Chandler in Saturday’s main event at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas but withdrew earlier this month after suffering a broken pinky toe in training. McGregor has not competed since breaking his leg in a TKO loss to Dustin Poirier in July 2021.

The UFC had to scramble to find a new main event, which is now a light heavyweight title fight rematch between champion Alex Pereira (10-2 MMA, 7-1 UFC) and Jiri Prochazka (30-4-1 MMA, 4-1 UFC). A co-main event between featherweights Diego Lopes (24-6 MMA, 3-1 UFC) and Brian Ortega (16-3 MMA, 8-3 UFC) was also added.

As the International Fight Week festivities continue to unfold, McGregor can’t help but feel left out.

“I’d be lying if I told you I wasn’t in deep pain right now watching fight week take place. Deep mental pain. Thank you for the messages of support and encouragement, my peers and fans

.”

McGregor vowed to be back, but in a recent interview with Robbie Fox, UFC CEO Dana White dismissed McGregor’s desire to come back in fall. When the months August, September, and October were suggested to White as possible return months, he responded, “None of the above.”