Oh boy, Michael Chandler’s got some thoughts on Conor McGregor, and he’s not holding back. He reckons McGregor won’t be the same firecracker in the Octagon this summer. Why? Well, let’s dive in.
So, McGregor’s been off the grid, fight-wise, for nearly three years. That’s ages in the fight game. He’s set to throw down with Chandler in a welterweight clash that’s got fans buzzing. They’re headlining UFC 303 on June 29 at the T-Mobile Arena in Vegas. Last time we saw McGregor in action was against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 back in July 2021. That bout didn’t end too well for him, thanks to a leg break in the first round.
McGregor started hitting the gym again in early 2022. But, get this, he only jumped back into the UFC’s drug testing pool by October 2023. He had his eyes set on UFC 300 for his big comeback, but it’s UFC 303 where he’ll finally step back into the cage.
Chandler’s been pretty vocal about what he thinks this long break has done to McGregor. Timing, movement, reflexes – he believes they’ve all taken a hit. And Chandler? He’s just focusing on being the best version of himself. He’s talking tactics, resilience, and just deserving this win more.
On “The Shawn Ryan Show,” Chandler laid out his game plan. It’s all about not getting into a slugfest with McGregor, who he admits has a “bigger rifle.” Instead, he’s planning to hit hard from the get-go, make McGregor doubt himself, and dominate the fight in every way possible. He’s confident he’s got the edge in power and plans to showcase that from the first exchange.
Chandler’s last fight was a submission loss to Poirier at UFC 281 in November 2022. Since then, he’s been gunning for a match with McGregor. The two even ended up as rival coaches on “The Ultimate Fighter 31” last summer. Despite a mixed record in the UFC, with wins over Dan Hooker and Tony Ferguson, Chandler’s ready to prove he’s still a top contender.
In short, Chandler’s gearing up for a showdown that he’s convinced will redefine his career. He’s not just fighting for a win; he’s fighting to show he’s still at the top of his game. McGregor, on the other hand, has a lot to prove after his hiatus. Will the long break have dulled his edge, or will we see the return of the notorious fighter we all know? Only time will tell.