Video – Conor McGregor features in new promo ahead of UFC 303 fight return: ‘The icon is back in business’

Conor McGregor features in new promo ahead of UFC 303 return the icon is back in businessFormer two-weight champion, Conor McGregor has featured in a blockbuster new promotional video ahead of his return to the…

Conor McGregor features in new promo ahead of UFC 303 return the icon is back in business

Former two-weight champion, Conor McGregor has featured in a blockbuster new promotional video ahead of his return to the Octagon later this summer – as he prepares to take on Michael Chandler at UFC 303 during International Fight Week.

McGregor, a former undisputed lightweight and featherweight champion under the banner of the Dana White-led organization, is finally slated to snap an-almost three-year hiatus from the Octagon at the end of June.

Conor McGregor plans long UFC run after return I've put more people to sleep than anaesthesia

Headlining UFC 303 at the welterweight limit, McGregor takes on the above-mentioned ex-title challenger, Chandler in a pivotal clash for the Dubliner’s future in the sport, as he attempts to snap a two-fight losing for the first time in his professional career.

Sidelined since 2021, McGregor most recently suffered a gruesome fracture of his left tibia and fibula in a trilogy rubber match against Dustin Poirier – atop UFC 264. 

Conor McGregor

As for Chandler, the former three-time Bellator MMA lightweight kingpin has been out of action for the prior two years, himself dropping a submission loss to the above-mentioned, Poirier in a rallying rear-naked choke defeat.

Conor McGregor stars in new UFC 303 promo

Returning to training in his native Dublin last month following the confirmation of his UFC 303 comeback, McGregor featured in a new promotional package overnight ahead of his comeback.

“The icon,” UFC Europe posted on their official X account, accompanied by a new promo starring Conor McGregor. “The one and only. The Notorious. @TheNotoriousMMA is back in business. #UFC303”

Preparing to take on Chandler, a potential wildcard may await McGregor in June, however, with former undisputed lightweight champion, Charles Oliveira confirming earlier this week how he has thrown his name into the ring to serve as a backup fighter to the UFC 303 main event clash during International Fight Week.

Charles Oliveira weighs up welterweight leap after UFC 300 loss why not move up and do a big fight
Mandatory Credit: Per Haljestam – USA TODAY Sports

And in turn, McGregor issued a stark warning to the Sao Paulo favorite – vowing to stop him with strikes in just a single round if they ever shared the Octagon together. 

Who wins at UFC 303 later this summer: Conor McGregor or Michael Chandler?

Conor McGregor warns Charles Oliveira amid UFC 303 backup fighter offer: ‘I have magic paws, ask Sao Paulo about me’

Conor McGregor warns Charles Oliveira after UFC 303 backup fighter offer I have magic paws ask Sao Paulo about meAmid confirmation overnight from former undisputed lightweight champion, Charles Oliveira how he offered to serve as the backup fighter…

Conor McGregor warns Charles Oliveira after UFC 303 backup fighter offer I have magic paws ask Sao Paulo about me

Amid confirmation overnight from former undisputed lightweight champion, Charles Oliveira how he offered to serve as the backup fighter to June’s UFC 303 pay-per-view card – headliner, Conor McGregor has issued a stark warning to the Sao Paulo finishing favorite.

McGregor, a former undisputed lightweight and featherweight champion, is scheduled to snap an almost three-year hiatus from the Octagon at the end of June, meeting soon-to-be common-foe, Michael Chandler in a welterweight grudge match.

Conor McGregor backed to fight for 165lbs title at UFC 303 against Michael Chandler
Mandatory Credit: Chris Unger – Zuffa LLC

And as for Oliveira, the current number two ranked lightweight challenger and former division champion most recently featured on the main card of UFC 300 last month, suffering a split decision defeat to surging contender, Arman Tsarukyan in the pair’s officially slated title-eliminator. 

Charles Oliveira weighs up welterweight leap after UFC 300 loss why not move up and do a big fight
Mandatory Credit: Per Haljestam – USA TODAY Sports

However, clamoring for a hasty return to the sport – as soon as July, Oliveira, who turned down an approach from Mateusz Gamrot for a clash, revealed he has offered to serve as the backup fighter to McGregor’s clash with Chandler at UFC 303.

Conor McGregor issues warning to Charles Oliveira

Sharing his thoughts on the Sao Paulo star’s offer, McGregor, who has found himself continually linked with a fight against the Brazilian favorite, claimed he would dispatch both Chandler and Oliveira – if needs be, inside a round.

McGregor
Stacey Revere – Zuffa LLC

“I do yous both in the same night, no sweat,” Conor McGregor posted on his official X account. “I do yous both inside a round. Combined. I got the magic paws, ask Rio and Sao Paulo about me and my magic. The Irish wand.” 

Oliveira’s offer to fight either McGregor or Chandler on short-notice comes hot on the heels of a proposed welterweight debut from the Brazilian, who claimed he would entertain a “big fight” in a potential first outing at 170 pounds.

Would you like to see Conor McGregor fight Charles Oliveira in the future?

Charles Oliveira reveals offer to serve as backup fighter to Conor McGregor – Michael Chandler at UFC 303

Charles Oliveira offers to serve as backup fighter to Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler at UFC 303Former undisputed lightweight champion, Charles Oliveira has confirmed he has floated the offer to serve as the backup fighter…

Charles Oliveira offers to serve as backup fighter to Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler at UFC 303

Former undisputed lightweight champion, Charles Oliveira has confirmed he has floated the offer to serve as the backup fighter to June’s headlining bout at UFC 303, between ex-two-weight champion, Conor McGregor, and prior foe, Michael Chandler.

Oliveira, the current number two ranked lightweight contender and a former undisputed champion in the division, most recently featured on the main card of UFC 300 last month.

Charles Oliveira weighs up welterweight leap after UFC 300 loss why not move up and do a big fight
Mandatory Credit: Per Haljestam – USA TODAY Sports

Suffering a close, controversial split decision defeat, Oliveira found himself on the wrong side of two of three judge’s scorecards in a judging loss to the surging Armenian force, Arman Tsarukyan in an officially billed title-eliminator.

Charles Oliveira plans to serve as backup fighter at UFC 303

And welcoming a chance to fight as soon as July or even August in a projected summer comeback to the Octagon, Oliveira also revealed he would entertain a “big fight” at the welterweight limit – a first during his storied tenure in the organization.

Alex Pereira defends Charles Oliveira after UFC 300 loss Nobody knows what he's going through
Mandatory Credit: Cooper Neil

Receiving a call out today from Polish contender, Matesuz Gamrot – which has already been rebuffed, Oliveira informed Full Send MMA this evening that he has offered to serve as the backup fighter to the UFC 303 main event fight during International Fight Week between McGregor and Chandler.

“Charles Oliveira says he has offered to be the backup for Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler but if he ends up facing Conor McGregor he definitely wants to negotiate for more money,” Full Send MMA posted on their official Instagram account. 

Calling for a fight with McGregor following his loss to Tsarukyan last month, Sao Paulo finishing ace, Oliveira turned in a stunning second round KO win over the above-mentioned, Chandler back in 2021 to win the vacant lightweight championship. 

Charles Oliveira out of UFC 288 fight with Beneil Dariush due to injury

Oliveira would go on to defeat both former interim champions, Dustin Poirier, and Justin Gaethje in championship fights.

Would you like to see Charles Oliveira serve as the backup to UFC 303’s headliner?

Colby Covington uninterested in fighting ‘Nobody’ Ian Garry at UFC 303: ‘He has to show me how he’s serious’

Colby Covington uninterested in Ian Garry he has to show me how he's aerious UFC 303Colby Covington has shut down talks of fighting Ian Machado Garry next time out. Covington and Garry have recently…

Colby Covington uninterested in Ian Garry he has to show me how he's aerious UFC 303

Colby Covington has shut down talks of fighting Ian Machado Garry next time out.

Covington and Garry have recently taken shots at one another, as both called for the fight to happen. However, nothing has come to fruition, but ‘Chaos’ says he wants to return at UFC 303 on June 29 at International Fight Week.

“I think that’s when they’re planning for me, International Fight Week,” Colby Covington told TwinsPod (h/t MMA Mania). “Just trying to figure out who who’s gonna be the guy. I got unfinished business with my last fight Leon Edwards, the guy that has the title right now. I broke my foot in the first five seconds of that fight. I threw a kick, it broke in three different places. So, that wasn’t me that night. I’m gonna probably have to fight someone else to get back to him. So, whoever.”

With Colby Covington expecting to fight at UFC 303, many assumed Garry would be his opponent. However, the former interim welterweight champ isn’t interested in that fight, as he says Garry is a nobody.

Ian Garry branded championship level fighter ahead of UFC 298 with the right matchups
Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

“There’s this kid that’s been calling me out,” Covington said. “This kid, Ian Garry, he’s a nobody. I gave him some stipulations and said, ‘Hey man, if you wanna fight me, you have to show me you’re serious about business.’ Because when I do business, I’m serious about it. I show up to every fight. I’ve never pulled out of one fight. I’ve been injured. I’ve been sick. But I always show up and do my business because I love the UFC as the greatest organization on world. So, he has to show me he’s serious.

Ian Garry withdraws from UFC 296 amid battle with the flu fight with Vicente Luque cancelled
Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

“He was supposed to be on my last event in the press conference. He pulls out the day of the press conference because he knew I was gonna be on stage, and we’re gonna have some beef. So, that shows me that he’s not serious,” Covington added.

Colby Covington broke foot in title fight loss

Colby Covington is coming off a lackluster decision loss to Leon Edwards in December for the welterweight title, but he says he broke his foot just seconds into the fight.

Joe Rogan critiques Colby Covington after UFC 296 he talked so much he didn't look good
Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

Covington was fighting for the undisputed welterweight title for the third time as ‘Chaos’ is now 0-3 in title fights, as he lost to Edwards and Kamaru Usman, twice.

However, Covington is still ranked fourth at welterweight, so if he can string together a couple of wins in a row, he could get another crack at the belt.

Colby Covington confirms plan to fight at UFC 303, cites ‘Unfinished business’ with Leon Edwards: ‘I broke my foot’

Colby Covington confirms plans to fight at UFC 303 claims he has unfinished business with Leon EdwardsFormer interim welterweight champion, Colby Covington has confirmed plans to make a return to the Octagon this summer –…

Colby Covington confirms plans to fight at UFC 303 claims he has unfinished business with Leon Edwards

Former interim welterweight champion, Colby Covington has confirmed plans to make a return to the Octagon this summer – namely at June’s end-of-month UFC 303 event, claiming himself and undisputed titleholder, Leon Edwards still retain “unfinished business”.

Covington, the current number four ranked welterweight contender, has been sidelined since he took main event honors at UFC 296 back in December, suffering a one-sided unanimous decision loss to the above-mentioned Edwards in the pair’s heated championship showcase.

Colby Covington confirms US Congress run I'm the Donald Trump of the UFC
Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

Showing off x-ray images of a fractured foot – apparently suffered with the very first kick he threw in the first round of his fight with the Birmingham native, Covington has yet to feature since dropping the defeat – his third in as many undisputed championship fights.

And finding himself heavily linked with a grudge pairing against unbeaten Dublin striker, Ian Garry in the co-main event of UFC 303 in June, Covington has so-far remained silent on recent call outs from the Portmarnock native.

Ian Garry branded championship level fighter ahead of UFC 298 with the right matchups
Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

However, according to the Clovis native, talks are underway with the promotion for him to fight at UFC 303 during International Fight Week, with former two-weight champion, Conor McGregor set to headline the card in his long-anticipated return

Colby Covington confirms plan to fight at UFC 303

And while remaining non-commital on an opponent for his return, Covington – who is never far from controversy amid his outspoken nature, claimed he and arch-rival, Edwards still retained “unfinished business” amid their December pairing.

UFC 296 Leon Edwards vs. Colby Covington start time live streams full fight card
Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

“I’m gonna fight this summer for sure,” Colby Covington told the Hodge Twins. “Somebody is gonna get fought. They’re trying to figure out the biggest name and the best business we can do for the UFC, so – International Fight Week is their big event in the summer.”

“…You know, I got unfinished business with my last fight,” Colby Covington explained. “Leon Edwards, the guy who has the title right now, you know, I broke my foot in the first five seconds of the fight with a kick – it broke in three different places. That wasn’t me that night. So, whoever I have to go through – I’m gonna have to probably fight someone else to get back to him.”

And whilst Covington remains interested in a rematch against Edwards, the Birmingham native has been tied to a potential re-run with the surging Belal Muhammad at UFC 304 in Manchester in a welterweight championship return.

Do you think Colby Covington can work his way back to a Leon Edwards rematch?

Michael Chandler ‘plotting’ with Machine Gun Kelly ahead of his UFC 303 fight with Conor McGregor

Michael Chandler 'plotting' with Machine Gun Kelly head of his UFC 303 fight with Conor McGregorMichael Chandler is doing some “plotting” with Machine Gun Kelly ahead of his highly anticipated clash with Conor McGregor….

Michael Chandler 'plotting' with Machine Gun Kelly head of his UFC 303 fight with Conor McGregor

Michael Chandler is doing some “plotting” with Machine Gun Kelly ahead of his highly anticipated clash with Conor McGregor.

On Saturday, June 29, the Irish megastar will return to the Octagon for the first time in nearly three years when he headlines UFC 303 inside T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. With their scrap just a few weeks away, ‘Iron’ appears to be playing some mind games with McGregor after posting a picture with Grammy Award-nominated artist Machine Gun Kelly.

McGregor and MGK, whose real name is Colson Baker, nearly threw hands during a brief interaction at the MTV Music Awards in 2021. To this day, nobody knows what caused the near-scuffle, but rumors immediately began flying that the animosity was the result of McGregor allegedly sending a direct message to Kelly’s girlfriend, actress Megan Fox.

However, representatives for McGregor have denied that narrative.

Conor McGregor and Machine Gun Kelly

Recently, Chandler posted a picture with Kelly in what felt like a pretty clear dig at McGregor.

Michael Chandler and MGK taunting Conor McGregor

“63 days…. Plotting with ?@machinegunkelly,” Chandler wrote on X.

After Kelly opted not to comment on his interaction with McGregor, the Irishman told Entertainment Tonight”

“Absolutely nothing happened. I don’t know. He showed up, and I don’t know. I don’t know the guy. Nothing happened with me, I only fight real fighters, people that actually fight, you know what I mean? I certainly don’t fight little vanilla boy rappers. I don’t even know the guy. I don’t know anything about him, except that he’s with Megan Fox.”

McGregor reignited his rivalry with MGK after the incident, commenting on a video of Kelly riding a skateboard on social media. “Watch out guys we got a badass over here,” McGregor wrote in a since-deleted post.

Conor McGregor isn’t the only UFC fighter Machine Gun Kelly has had a bad experience with

It’s certainly not the first time that Machine Gun Kelly has had a run-in with a former MMA world champion. While attending a Power Slap event during Super Bowl weekend, Sean Strickland took issue with Kelly’s attire, telling him to “dress like a f*cking man” and likening him to a vampire.

“I don’t know who the f*ck that guy is,” Strickland tells the cameraman before yelling, “I’m easy to find, vampire man.”

Strickland offered some additional insight into the incident on his YouTube channel.

“I met some good people. Cowboy [Cerrone] was there. I met a vampire, apparently [the] guy dating Megan Fox,” Strickland said of meeting MGK. “You had some Transformers with a broken down car. I don’t know what happened to Megan Fox, but something happened to Megan Fox.

“I don’t know who did it, but I wanna find that man. I wanna have a conversation with him ’cause me and you, dude, we’re not cool. I meet this vampire-like, ‘Dude, you wake up every day and you dress like a vampire.’ I don’t know if he does or doesn’t. Maybe just a wardrobe. But dude, you dress like a vampire man. You look like the goth kid on South Park. And you go out in the world like this, like this only happens because you are in an insulated bubble” (h/t LoudWire).