Conor McGregor puts mega bet on Euro 2024 winner amid concerns over UFC return

Conor McGregor has placed a bet of more than $1million on Euro 2024 this summer - but UFC fans are still none the wiser as to whether his fight against Michael Chandler is still on

MMA icon Conor McGregor has placed a substantial wager on Spain to clinch Euro 2024 - a victory that could see him pocket over $1million.

However, not all is rosy for the Irish star as there is rising speculation about his highly-anticipated UFC 303 match-up with Michael Chandler having been discreetly called off. Rumours are swirling that the revered Irish fighter, whose last UFC appearance dates back three years, may be injured.

With the Nevada event just a fortnight away, a hastily deleted social post from McGregor on Thursday only exacerbated these concerns. Later in the day, though, the charismatic fighter perked up spirits by sharing a post detailing an $83,500 bet he had placed on Spain winning this summer's European Championship - taking place in Germany - at odds of 11/1. Via X, formerly known as Twitter, the 35-year old wrote excitedly: "Vamos Spain! Easy money on the Spaniards to win the Euros on my birthday! A nice mil for The Mac!"

McGregor also gave a shout out to ex-Spain defender Sergio Ramos, who has won the Euros twice but hung up his national boots early in 2023. The bold move left fans in shock, with one commenting: "Everyone is panicking about the fight and meanwhile you're dropping soccer bets. Love it", reports the Mirror.

Another fan asked pleadingly: "UFC303 is in shambles Conor say something." One more simply responded to McGregors bet with: "Really bro."

Some fans were direct in their queries, with one asking: "What about your fight against Michael Chandler? Is it still on? " Another fan echoed the sentiment, pressing McGregor: "Fight still on? ? We're dying for answers! ".

American fighter Chandler confirmed on The Pivot podcast five days ago: "The fight's happening. Where we are right now, there's a lot of speculation but the fight is on. June 29. It's happening."

Chandler expressed confidence in McGregor's ability to rise to the occasion, saying, "I do believe that Conor shows up. Conor shows up under the bright lights. He lives for these moments."

McGregor hinted at a possible injury earlier on Thursday when he posted, then swiftly removed, an old video where he mused: "I think the more resistance you train with, the less movement and the more injury. The less resistance you train with, the more movement and the less injury."

He elaborated on training dynamics, stating, "A band balances itself. You might be going a little bit lighter, but the positions you wouldn't be if everyone was tense. Everyone was trying to win every round."

Last week, McGregor unexpectedly cancelled a press conference in Dublin and did not give any reasons. Despite this, his fight with Chandler is still scheduled for Saturday, June 29.