"You're past the fight game" , "KING will be back" - Fans divided after Conor McGregor releases statement addressing UFC 303 pullout

Two days after Dana White officially confirmed that Conor McGregor would not be competing at UFC 303, the former champion issued his official statement on social media. In a message first posted to Instagram and later repeated on X, 'The Notorious' expressed his dissatisfaction while vowing to return soon.

McGregor confirmed that he had suffered an injury but did not disclose what the injury included or its severity. The 35-year-old said his decision to withdraw was "not made lightly" and he is in "good spirits."

McGregor wrote:

"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... My fans and opponent deserve me at my best for this fight and we will get there!... I am in good spirits and confident I'll be back!"

As expected, McGregor received an even mix of support and criticism from fans who commented on his post. While he still owns the largest fanbase in MMA, several remain avidly against him while others displayed frustration with his withdrawal from the event.

One McGregor fan showed unique optimism, commenting:

"KING WILL BE BACK"

Another was less convinced by the post, writing:

"It's funny to me that people think you're going to fight again. Stop stringing it along. You're past the fight game."

Others commented:

"McGregor injured himself at the club!"

"Get well soon champ"

"Chandler is never getting that bag"

View more fan reactions to Conor McGregor's official statement below:

Fans react to Conor McGregor's official injury statement. [via @thenotoriousmma on Instagram]

---

Michael Chandler reacts to Conor McGregor's statement

Of the thousands of people who reacted to Conor McGregor's official statement on his injury, Michael Chandler responded to the message sent by his fallen opponent.

Putting their rivalry aside, Chandler told McGregor that he had "no hard feelings" about the fight cancellation and wished the former two-division champion to "heal up."

After the new UFC 303 main event had been confirmed, sources claimed that the UFC is targeting a new date for McGregor and Chandler to fight. With the severity of McGregor's injury not publicly known, it remains unknown how soon the Irishman would be able to return.