CONOR MCGREGOR’s representatives have denied sensational claims his UFC return was axed because he’s in rehab.
The Irishman‘s comeback clash with Michael Chandler – which was due to headline UFC 303 on June 29 – was cancelled last week.
GETTYConor McGregor was due to make his UFC return against Michael Chandler later this month[/caption]
REUTERSBut injury forced the former two-weight champion out of his comeback clash[/caption]
GETTYEx-UFC star and ESPN pundit Chael Sonnen sensationally claimed the fight had been axed as McGregor is in rehab[/caption]
GETTYMcGregor’s team have vehemently denied the sensational accusation[/caption]
McGregor, 35, was forced to withdraw from his first fight in nearly three years due to an undisclosed injury.
But former UFC title challenger and ESPN pundit Chael Sonnen sensationally claimed the fight was axed because McGregor has been admitted to rehab.
That claim has been rubbished by the Irishman‘s publicist Karen Kessler, who said in a statement: “Mr McGregor is with his family.
“The fight was cancelled after an injury he sustained during training.
“He is 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 ex-light-heavy and heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier.
He said: “‘What incredible irony that both sides have these massive interests in alcohol.
“And one side is in the middle of rehab for substance abuse, including alcohol.
“Not that that has anything to do with this.”
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When will Conor McGregor vs Michael Chandler take place?
By Chisanga Malata
CONOR MCGREGOR has been forced out of his long-awaited UFC return due to injury – but a new date for his return is already in the works.
Injury befell the Irishman just days before he was due to head out to Las Vegas for his UFC 303 clash with Michael Chandler and he was forced to withdraw from a fight for the first time in his career.
But the former two-weight champion won’t be out of action for too long and the UFC brass are already looking at new dates for his return.
Two dates are currently in play for the long overdue Return of the Mac.
SunSport understands August 31 and September 14 are the dates currently being explored for the fan favourite’s comeback.
A September return is more likely as the UFC already have a pay-per-view card pencilled in for Sin City’s brand-spanking-new Sphere.
But the brass could decide to hold a second PPV event in August to ensure McGregor’s return takes place in the summer.
McGregor, 35, hasn’t set foot inside the octagon since breaking his left leg in his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier in July 2021.
“Did it just get hot in here? Oh, it just got hot in here. Uh oh, the big guy came out and said it.
“He wasn’t supposed to talk about that. Well, that’s why people tune in.”
When pressed by Cormier, Sonnen added: “It was unrelated.
“Two guys pushing alcohol, totally unrelated story.
“And then a guy is in rehab for alcohol and other substances.
“Just saying, that’s a tough story.
“Have this proper drink. I’ll see you in a proper while because I am in a proper facility right now, watching me not have drinks.
“I’m bringing up the irony of the point, that’s all Daniel.”
Sonnen’s claim that McGregor is in rehab for “other substances” is baseless as the UFC superstar has NEVER been seen taking illegal drugs nor has he tested positive for them.
Former two-division champion McGregor hasn’t set foot inside the octagon since breaking his left leg in his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier in July 2021.
And the Dubliner was devastated to have had his long-awaited return scuppered by injury.
He wrote on Instagram: “Very tough to be ruled out of my scheduled return bout.
“I picked up an injury prior to 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 one made in consultation with my doctors, the UFC, and my team.
“My fans and opponent deserve me at my best for this fight and we will get there!
“Thank you for the messages of support, I am in good spirits and confident I’ll be back!”