Conor McGregor claims he's too "slick" and "skilled" for upcoming opponent Michael Chandler
Conor McGregor's return to the octagon will come later this year when he faces Michael Chandler. The former double champ recently shared how he believes his first fight since breaking his leg will turn out.
McGREGOR vs CHANDLER IS CONFIRMED!!
@TheNotoriousMMA and @MikeChandlerMMA will officially coach the next season of #TUF31! https://t.co/effjf0Rg2M
Speaking to Robbie Fox of My Mom's Basement, 'The Notorious' stated:
"For Chandler, I'm just too slick for him. I'm too skilled for him and he's not fought someone like me. I've fought someone like him though. It's the mixed martial arts style. The short wrestler, it's just kind of MMA, isn't it? It ain't nothing peculiar or unsure of. I've fought against that style many, many years."
Conor McGregor claimed that he will show Michael Chandler the difference between the UFC and Bellator, where the No.5-ranked lightweight was a three-time champion, adding:
"Michael, obviously, he was with a smaller promotion and then he worked his way up this fast. He's had some excellent fights and he's earned his right to be in this position, but it'll be my job now on fight night to show the level and show there's a much higher difference in skill level here and that's it so I'm excited to get going."
Check out Conor McGregor's comments on Michael Chandler below (starting at the 2:10 mark):
McGregor has not entered the octagon since breaking his leg at UFC 264 nearly two years ago. The former double champ and Chandler will coach opposing sides in season 31 of The Ultimate Fighter before clashing in the octagon. However, details of the bout have not been announced.
Conor McGregor's return isn't guaranteed to happen, claims Islam Makhachev
Conor McGregor is currently preparing for his return. However, Islam Makhachev does not believe the former double champ wants to fight. During a recent appearance on the WEIGHING IN podcast, the lightweight champion stated:
"They try to make the fight, but it's not official now and I don't think Conor wants to fight because he's drinking too much, smoking all day. He just can't. TUF makes some things interesting because everybody's forgot him. I don't know when he fought last time, but if they fight, I think it's going to be 170. Maybe if he beats Chandler, they're going to try to push him and make 155. I know they want to give him title chance."
Check out Islam Makhachev's comments on Conor McGregor below (starting at the 22:57 mark):
Makhachev added that if McGregor can defeat Chandler, he would be open to facing the former double champ for the lightweight title. The No.3-ranked pound-for-pound fighter also claimed the bout would be easy.