Well, well, well. What do we have here? The notorious Conor McGregor has dropped a bombshell. He’s announced his long-anticipated fight against Michael Chandler will be at middleweight. Let’s just say it’s stirred up quite the chatter in the mixed martial arts world.
Now, here’s the kicker. Neither McGregor nor Chandler have ever competed at 185 pounds in their careers. So, why the sudden shift? Chandler reckons he knows why.
Chandler’s theory? It’s all about ego. He told ESPN, “In his mind, he can’t fight at 170 [pounds], because I called him out at 170. He had to say 185. … He always wants to establish dominance, to make people think that I am less than him, and that’s fine.”
He’s not bothered, though. He’s got confidence in spades and no ego to bruise. “I have no problem with what people say. I have no problem with people’s opinions. Everybody’s got an opinion, and who cares? … I’ll take that ‘back seat’ to him the entire time, and if he thinks he’s taking a fight against a lesser man, then so be it. He’ll find out on June 29.”
The two fighters were opposing coaches on “The Ultimate Fighter 31.” They were expected to face off late in 2023, but that didn’t happen. The next date on the cards was UFC 300 in April. But, alas, delays.
Despite the postponements, Chandler is hopeful. He believes the fight will happen during International Fight Week. “We all know it’s never 100 percent officially confirmed until we actually step in the Octagon, but obviously my team has been in touch with the UFC,” he said.
So, he’s gearing up for June 29. He’s leaving his family and heading down to Florida to get into fight camp. It’s been a year in the making, and he’s ready. “June 29 is what I’m preparing for. I’m leaving my family to head down to Florida to get into fight camp — the fight camp that has been looming now for a year.”