GM to lay off about 1,700 workers at Kansas plant
Ireland drops plans for hate speech law, minister says
Tens of thousands of bees found living in a Maine family’s farmhouse
Russia says it will take no part in follow-up to 'peace summit'
France unveils a more right-wing government after deadlock
Sullivan expresses worry over escalating Israel-Lebanon tension, calls Hezbollah strike as justice served
WNBA playoffs set to begin Sunday with all four first-round series getting underway
She was born blind, but she travels the world by herself
Carolina Moment: Local corn maze marks 20 years with focus on charity, community aid
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Conor McGregor, long the face of the UFC, is injured and out of the upcoming pay-per-view event June 29 in Las Vegas that he was scheduled to headline.
Organization President Dana White announced the change Thursday night on X, saying light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira will face top-ranked challenger Jiri Prochazka in UFC 303.
McGregor was scheduled to fight Michael Chandler, the sixth-ranked lightweight challenger, but the first indication that bout was in trouble was when his news conference June 3 in Dublin was abruptly canceled. No immediate explanation was provided.
White didn't elaborate on the nature of McGregor's injury.
Losing McGregor, who hasn't competed inside the octagon in three years, is quite a blow to the UFC. At 35, he is past his prime, but remains a strong attraction for gate and pay-per-view sales.
The UFC is at a crossroads, with stars such as McGregor, Jon Jones and Amanda Nunes either near the end of their careers or having already retired. There is a group of younger fighters still building their fan bases that the UFC is counting on to lead the next generation.
___
AP sports: https://apnews.com/sports
