Beneil Dariush predicts who would win between Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler when both are "at their best"
UFC lightweight Beneil Dariush has given the edge to Conor McGregor in his upcoming bout against Michael Chandler.
McGregor vs. Chandler was officially confirmed earlier this month, finally putting an end to months of speculation. The pair will headline UFC 303 on June 29 to cap off International Fight Week.
The bout also marks the highly anticipated return of McGregor, who has been out of action for three years after suffering a leg break during his trilogy bout with Dustin Poirier. The injury required major surgery and rehabilitation, with the Dublin native only returning to full training at the beginning of the year.
Like McGregor, Chandler has also spent an extended period away from the octagon. His was by choice, however, with 'Iron' opting to take nearly an 18-month hiatus in order to secure the fight.
With the highly anticipated bout now confirmed, fans and fighters have started to cast their predictions. Recently, Beneil Dariush opted to weigh in on the fight during an interview with The Schmo.
According to 'Benny', If both men step into the octagon at their best, he expects Conor McGregor to walk away victorious. He said:
"He might actually be training really hard whilst posting a bunch of stuff where he's partying in a way to confuse his opponent... In a technical fight where both guys are at their best, I think Conor should win because his counterstriking is perfect for a guy like Chandler."
Check out Dariush's comments here:
Michael Bisping warns Michael Chandler not to underestimate Conor McGregor
Michael Bisping believes Michael Chandler may be underestimating Conor McGregor ahead of their bout.
Following the announcement of their UFC 303 clash, 'Iron' has gone on record in multiple interviews and stated that he believes McGregor won't be the same fighter as before following his leg break and lay-off from the octagon.
Weighing in on the fight himself, Bisping watched back some clips of Chandler and had some stern words for the 37-year-old. He said:
"You cannot be drunk on your own ego. Michael Chandler is an entertainer... The man is explosive, every single time he fights he is phenomenal, win or lose... But he has to respect what McGregor is going to do and the threat coming back at him."
He continued:
"Three years away [For McGregor] it will affect timing, it will affect speed... Three years is a long time. I do think a few things will be off but power is the last thing to go."
Catch Bisping's comments here (2:15):