(Paris) The Irishman Conor McGregor, who was due to make his return after a three-year absence from the UFC on June 29 in a fight against the American Michael Chandler, withdrew due to an injury, announced Friday the head of the mixed martial arts organization Dana White.

“Conor McGregor is injured and withdraws from UFC 303,” said Dana White in a video posted on his X account, without giving details regarding a possible rescheduling of the clash.

“The Notorious,” 35, has not fought in the Octagon since his second straight loss to American Dustin Poirier in July 2021. In the UFC, he has a record of 10 wins and four losses, including three in his last four appearances.

In 2020, the former UFC featherweight and lightweight champion was the highest-paid athlete in the world according to Forbes magazine, with earnings of €170 million.  

The main fight of UFC 303, organized in Las Vegas, will finally pit the Czech Jiri Prochazka against the Brazilian Alex Pereira, holder of the light heavyweight belt.