MMA News Today: Conor McGregor Admits 'Deep Mental Pain' After Missing Out On UFC 303, Manny Pacquiao To Fight Japanese Kickboxer Who Sparred Sean Strickland, & More

Welcome to MMA News Today , a daily feature running down the most interesting stories in the world of mixed martial arts. For June 28 , 2024, we’re taking a look at:

• McGregor has found it difficult watching fight week play out without him
• Anpo goes from sparring Strickland to boxing "Pac Man"
• Thompson gives "MVP" the striking edge over Garry

Conor McGregor Says Watching On During UFC 303 Fight Week Has Been A Tough Experience

With the significant changes that UFC 303 underwent, it can be easy to forget that Conor McGregor was set to make his long-awaited return on Saturday night.

His withdrawal due to a broken toe saw major adjustments made to the event that have allowed it to become something completely different.

As fans get excited throughout International Fight Week , McGregor took to social media to speak about how this has been a difficult experience for him.

This week should have and would have been all about "The Notorious" had he not suffered an injury in training, which he admitted was caused by a simple mistake.

He took the moment to thank all of his supporters who have wished him a speedy recovery as he watches on as UFC 303 goes down this weekend.

"I’d be lying if I told you I wasn’t in deep pain right now watching fight week take place. Deep mental pain. Thank you for the messages of support and encouragement, my peers and fans"

Rukiya Anpo, Who Recently Sparred Sean Strickland, Steps In To Box Manny Pacquiao At Super RIZIN 3

Boxing great Manny Pacquiao is set to compete in a special three-round exhibition bout at Super RIZIN 3 on July 28 at the Saitama Super Arena.

Unfortunately, following his boxing bout with Takanori Gomi last week, his original opponent has withdrawn from the contest and been replaced.

Chihiro Suzuki broke his hand and as a result, former K-1 kickboxing world champion Rukiya Anpo will now take his place.

Anpo may be familiar to MMA fans because of the recent footage that was released of him sparring with former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland in Japan .

Pacquiao, once July 28 is in the past, is hoping to return to professional boxing in the near future after three years away from the ring.

Stephen Thompson Gives Michael 'Venom' Page The Striking Advantage Against Ian Garry At UFC 303

Elite welterweight strikers meet in the main card opener for UFC 303 as the undefeated Ian Garry takes on Michael "Venom" Page in his second Octagon outing.

If there's anyone that's in a good position to talk about what these men bring to the table, it's the other stand-up specialist in the top 15 at 170 pounds .

Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson previewed the fight during a recent YouTube video where he gave the edge to "MVP" in this fight.

Thompson feels that in order for the Irishman to extend his winning streak, he needs to switch up his approach rather than trying to outstrike Page .

"Both of these guys are at the highest level, especially when it comes to the striking game. Now, is it smart for Ian Garry to go out there and just strike with 'MVP?' I don't think so," Thompson said. "I don't think he's on the same level as Michael 'Venom' Page, especially when it comes to the distance management, the blitzing, the speed. I think Michael 'Venom' Page is really, really fast, very accurate, and very versatile. But I think Ian Garry is a very intelligent fighter.

"If I was him, I would be mixing it up. Not just striking, but obviously working my grappling, trying to lay and hang on this guy against the fence if I can...just to try and somehow fatigue this guy," Thompson continued. "I'm definitely leaning towards my man Michael 'Venom' Page. ... I do think if 'MVP' touches Ian Garry on that chin, he's gonna be able to put him out."

Read more on the story here .

For more MMA news, check out:

• Prominent MMA Coach Says Jiří Procházka's Style Is 'Too Unorthodox' To Get The Better Of 'Sharp' Alex Pereira At UFC 303
• 'This Guy Is A Threat For Any Of Us In The Top 10' - Henry Cejudo Has High Praise For Undefeated UFC 303 Prospect
• 2024 UFC Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony: Interviews, Highlights, & Speeches