Over the weekend, the UFC teased Conor McGregor’s anticipated return to the octagon, sparking excitement among fans. McGregor is slated to fight at UFC 303 on June 29, with a welterweight matchup against Michael Chandler.
However, the teaser released by the UFC focused solely on McGregor, showcasing his silhouette under a green spotlight with Sinead O’Connor’s ‘The Foggy Dew’ playing in the background. This exclusion of Michael Chandler from the promotional clip led to questions from fans on social media, with some speculating that it was due to McGregor’s immense star power.
In other combat sports news, boxing legend Lennox Lewis recently shared some sage advice with Jake Paul ahead of Paul’s upcoming bout against Mike Tyson. Lewis, who faced Tyson in a memorable match back in June 2022, advised Paul to be wary of Tyson’s power and to avoid getting hit by his devastating punches.
“Mike Tyson is two-dimensional. He’s going to come at you, try to knock you out. You got to try and stay away from him – stay away from his power,”
said Lewis, emphasizing the need for Paul to steer clear of Tyson’s formidable striking abilities.
Meanwhile, in the UFC realm, Sean O’Malley addressed rumors circulating about a potential fight with Merab Dvalishvili at The Sphere in September. Dvalishvili had announced the matchup on the UFC India Show, but O’Malley clarified on Instagram that the fight has not been confirmed by the UFC.
“Merab at The Sphere is not targeted as far as I know. I’ve been pushing for that but UFC hasn’t said anything,” O’Malley stated, casting doubt on the reported bout.
Lastly, following his defeat in the main event title fight at UFC 301, Steve Erceg expressed deep disappointment and a desire to improve. Despite feeling devastated by the loss to Alexandre Pantoja, Erceg acknowledged his need to enhance his skills and vowed to return stronger.
“I’m obviously devastated. Despite the short-notice, [only having] three fights in the UFC, I came to win. I thought I could do it… He just out-scrambled me. I’ve got to get better, and I’ll be back,” Erceg shared, reflecting on the missed opportunity to secure victory in the final round.
Separately, BKFC co-owner Mike Perry emphasized his autonomy and role within the organization in response to Conor McGregor’s promotional efforts for the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship.
“I want it to be known that I am my own boss and I am also part owner of the BKFC, and I’m in here doing work."
Mike Perry thinks "maybe a Conor [McGregor] fight [could happen]," but it'll be a matter of timing.
(via @DamonMartin) pic.twitter.com/vfenELPxH2
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) May 5, 2024
Perry clarified that despite McGregor’s prominent marketing, he is his own boss and also holds ownership in BKFC.
“No one markets quite like Conor… It [the ownership announcement] was a flashy little video. I want it to be known that I am my own boss and I am also part owner of the BKFC, and I’m in here doing work,”
Perry affirmed, asserting his independence within the combat sports.
