CONOR MCGREGOR’s representatives have denied sensational claims that his UFC return was cut short because he is undergoing rehabilitation.
The IrishMichael Chandler’s comeback clash – which was set to headline UFC 303 on June 29 – was canceled last week.
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McGregor, 35, was forced to pull out of his first fight in almost three years due to an undisclosed injury.
But former UFC title challenger and ESPN commentator Chael Sonnen sensationally claimed the fight was stopped because McGregor was admitted to rehab.
This claim was rejected by the IrishPress secretary Karen Kessler, who said in a statement: “Mr McGregor is with his family.
“The fight was canceled after an injury he suffered during training.
“He’s looking forward to a new date.”
Former three-time UFC title challenger Sonnen made the accusation during the latest episode of Good Guy, Bad Guy with former light heavyweight and heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier.
He said: “‘What an incredible irony that both sides have such enormous interests in alcohol.
“And one side is in the middle of substance abuse rehab, including alcohol.
“Not that that has anything to do with it.”
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When will Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler happen?
By Chisanga Malata
CONOR MCGREGOR has been forced to abandon his long-awaited return to the UFC due to injury – but a new date for his return is now in the works.
The injury occurred to the Irishman just days before he was due to leave for Las Vegas for his UFC 303 clash with Michael Chandler and he was forced to pull out of a fight for the first time in his career.
But the former two-weight champion won’t be out of action for long and UFC management is already looking for new dates for his return.
Two dates are currently in play for the long-awaited Return of the Mac.
SunSport understands that August 31 and September 14 are the dates currently being explored for the return of the fan favorite.
A September return is more likely, as the UFC already has a pay-per-view card planned for Sin City’s brand-new Sphere.
But bosses could decide to hold a second PPV event in August to ensure McGregor’s return takes place in the summer.
McGregor, 35, has not set foot in the Octagon since breaking his left leg in his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier in July 2021.
“Does it get hot in here? Oh, it gets hot in here. Uh oh, the big guy came up and said that.
“He shouldn’t talk about it. Well, that’s why people tune in.”
When pressed by Cormier, Sonnen added, “It wasn’t related.
“Two guys selling alcohol, totally unrelated story.
“And then a guy is in rehab for alcohol and other substances.
“I’m just saying it’s a difficult story.
“Take this proper drink. I’ll see you at a suitable time because I’m in a suitable facility now, watching myself without drinking.
“I’m bringing up the irony of the matter, that’s all, Daniel.”
Sonnen’s claim that McGregor is in rehab for “other substances” is unfounded, as the UFC star did NEVER was seen taking illegal drugs nor did he test positive for them.
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Former two-division champion McGregor hasn’t set foot in the Octagon since breaking his left leg in his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier in July 2021.
And the Dubliner was devastated to have his long-awaited return hampered by injury.
He wrote on Instagram: “It’s very difficult to be excluded from my scheduled comeback fight.
“I suffered an injury before 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 rather in consultation with my doctors, the UFC and my team.
“My fans and opponent deserve my best for this fight and we will get there!
“Thank you for the messages of support, I’m in a good mood and confident that I’ll be back!”
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
