Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler matchup compares to a massive title fight from the Irishman's past: Coach John Kavanagh
Conor McGregor is set to return to the UFC octagon to face Michael Chandler somewhere in the future, and coach John Kavanagh recently shared an interesting take on the matchup. The head coach of Ireland's Straight Blast Gym (SBG) drew parallels between 'Iron' and McGregor's former rival, Chad Mendes.
Earlier this month, Dana White announced that 'The Notorious' will coach the next season of The Ultimate Fighter against Chandler, whom he will also face inside the octagon once the season concludes on air. This will also mark the Irishman's second stint on the show, having previously coached opposite Urijah Faber in 2015.
It’s official everyone. Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler will coach The Ultimate Fighter!! https://t.co/RURTj4sqgy
While Conor McGregor has been on the sidelines for almost two years, his coach believes the Irishman is going to get back in the win column against Michael Chandler.
In a recent interview with Sherdog, John Kavanagh discussed the matchup and claimed that Chandler's style was similar to Mendes, whom McGregor beat at UFC 189 to win the interim featherweight title in 2015:
"I think it could resemble a little bit the Mendes fight. Mendes was that style: blocky guy, big punches, big double legs... Conor has a good record against those kind of orthodox, stocky wrestlers with big overhand rights and big double legs... Chandler, he’s an excellent fighter..."
Watch the full interview below:
John Kavanagh has "zero concerns" about Conor McGregor not being motivated
Conor McGregor is undoubtedly the biggest superstar to ever grace the famed UFC octagon and has been at the forefront of many of the UFC's most successful PPV events for some time now. 'The Notorious' will be looking to bring that star power once again later this year when he faces Michael Chandler in the cage.
The Irishman has spent the better part of the past two years on the sidelines after suffering a nasty leg fracture in a TKO loss to Dustin Poirier in July 2021. After extensive physical rehabilitation and therapy, McGregor is ready to compete again. However, considering his long hiatus from the sport and financial security, many have questioned his desire to compete again.
John Kavanagh recently answered those questions and claimed that he's never seen Conor McGregor as "pumped" as he has been lately. In the same interview with Sherdog, he commented on the Irish superstar's state of mind:
"Yeah, he’s never stopped training, He’s in phenomenal shape, and there’s a real excitement in him... And I’ll be honest: You know what will be the level of motivation when you’ve achieved the titles you’ve achieved, the money etc.? But, man, I’ve never seen him as pumped as I’ve seen him recently."