Conor McGregor's fondness for partying may cause problems during TUF in Las Vegas, says Michael Bisping
Conor McGregor's highly anticipated return to the octagon has finally been announced. The former double champ will face Michael Chandler after the pair coach opposing teams on season 31 of The Ultimate Fighter.
UFC Hall of Famer Michael Bisping questioned whether McGregor's partying habits would influence the outcome of the bout.
McGREGOR vs CHANDLER IS CONFIRMED!!
@TheNotoriousMMA and @MikeChandlerMMA will officially coach the next season of #TUF31! https://t.co/effjf0Rg2M
Speaking on his YouTube channel, the UFC commentator stated:
"It's a tough fight for McGregor. As I say, he's been away for a while. He's getting older. He's been partying a bit. He snapped his leg. He's gone up to 170 or 185, 205, whatever he weighs. Now, if the fight takes place at 155, he's going to lose all that mass. He's going to come off the supplements that he's been taking."
Bisping continued:
"He's got to get fit. He's got to get in shape and he's got to stay focused. McGregor is a man that likes to party a little bit. So what? That's his personality type. He's going to be in Vegas for a while. Will he be training the whole time? Maybe. Maybe not. We don't know. What we do know, for sure, is that this fight will guarantee to be sensational."
Bisping shared that he believes the outcome is up in the air and that he expects a back-and-forth war between McGregor and Chandler. He added that if the former double champ loses, it may be his last bout. However, if McGregor emerges victorious, he will likely fight for the lightweight title.
Watch Michael Bisping discuss Conor McGregor's focus in his return to the octagon below (starting at the 6:01 mark):
Michael Chandler shares his prediction for the upcoming Conor McGregor bout
Michael Chandler will face Conor McGregor in the latter's long-awaited return to the octagon. The No.5-ranked lightweight shared his prediction for the bout while speaking with Brett Okamoto of ESPN MMA, stating:
"I'm going to get in his space right away and make him take a backward step right away, and he's going to feel my presence from the very beginning of the fight and then from there wherever the fight takes us. If I want to pick him up and put him down, I can pick him up and put him down, and put a beating on him, and get a submission that way. I believe I finish Conor in the second round."
Chandler and McGregor are both in dire need of a victory as they are each just 1-3 in their past four bouts. The latter has just one victory since 2016.
Watch Michael Chandler discuss his upcoming bout with Conor McGregor below (starting at the 29:15 mark):