Conor McGregor has finally explained the injury he suffered which ruled him out his scheduled bout against Michael Chandler.
The two-weight UFC champion was set to headline the UFC 303 card on June 29 in Las Vegas, competing for the first time since his leg break suffered against Dustin Poirier in July 2021.
But doubts began to emerge after a Dublin press conference was called off at short notice.
It was then confirmed that McGregor had suffered an injury, causing the fight to be nixed and the second light heavyweight title encounter between Alex Pereira and Jiri Prochazka being announced as the new main event by Dana White.
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Details on McGregor's injury had remain scarce but on Friday the Irishman issued a lengthy statement, revealing he broke his toe during an intense sparring session where no protective gear was used.
He called the move a "lapse in concentration" but promised his fans he will be back soon.
On Instagram, he wrote: "Man we were so f***ing super ready for this fight it is absolutely gut wrenching to take. I want that new Bugatti how I gone justify to myself getting that now without banking these fights.
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"We had a lapse in concentration and engaged in a training session without wearing the full protective gear and I hit the toe off the elbow and broke the toe clean. It needs a few weeks that’s it. I couldn’t justify to my team, or fans, that I make the walk hindered again. That walk has been seen. This next walk has got to be, and it will be, 100% Conor McGregor.
"The fans deserve it and we are getting close. A slight lapse in concentration and a nuisance of an injury was picked up. That’s it. Take the lesson and move forward. I will get this back. I’ve got too.
"I’ve got two fights left on my contract. I’ve got Bugattis and more yachts on my mind. I’m coming to shine. I gotta just take my time. Cos I still got yachts and Bentleys and mansions and all the rest. Ya know yaself [sic]. But ya get me, I’ll be back. See ya’s soon. See ya at the top. Chandler or not."
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McGregor then proceeded to go on X, formerly known as Twitter, to respond to former UFC fighter and podcaster Chael Sonnen with proof of his injury.
Sonnen had speculated that McGregor had been in rehab for treatment for substance abuse, a claim his representatives emphatically denied.
No timeline has been given for McGregor's return but he said is "getting close" while also admitting he only has two fights left on his current UFC deal.
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Topics: Conor McGregor, UFC, Michael Chandler
Josh Lawless