"The mindset is changing"- Daniel Cormier discusses Michael Chandler's motives to call out Conor McGregor and Jorge Masvidal
Michael Chandler has called out Conor McGregor and Jorge Masvidal following his UFC 281 loss. UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier recently shared his thoughts on Chandler's mentality.
Speaking on his podcast 3 Rounds with Daniel Cormier, the former double champ stated:
"This tells me that Mike's focus has shifted a bit. It feels like now the title isn't at the forefront for Michael Chandler because the guys that he's calling aren't in championship contention. You all know that Jorge Masvidal's championship days are a bit behind him and Conor McGregor also is not in title contention."
Cormier added:
"Mike's focused on two fights because they're fun, they're tough fights, they make sense, but they're also two of the biggest names in the game... Michael Chandler saying he wants these dudes, it just tells me that the mindset is changing a little bit."
While Michael Chandler felt that a victory over Dustin Poirier at UFC 281 would have made him deserving of a title shot, he was ultimately submitted for the first time in his career. Rather than targeting a fight that could help him work his way back into title contention, the No.5-ranked lightweight appears to be focused on a money fight.
Watch Daniel Cormier discuss Michael Chandler's mentality below (starting at the 3:20 mark):
Aljamain Sterling weighs in on Michael Chandler calling out Conor McGregor
Michael Chandler has been angling for a fight against Conor McGregor. Bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling recently shared that he supports the idea of Chandler being the former double champ's opponent on his return.
Is it time for McGregor x Chandler?
I think so. IFW 2023. https://t.co/Gs8xcUh6GX
Speaking on his podcast, FunkMasterMMA, Sterling stated:
"This is a good opportunity for both guys. I think there's a high chance that Conor could come back and look phenomenal against a guy like Michael Chandler... I think at this point Chandler is in need of a big win. He needs to win. Yeah, he's fighting the best guys, but let's be honest here. You can fight as many of the best guys as you want, if you're not winning, you're not winning."
Watch Aljamain Sterling discuss Michael Chandler calling out Conor McGregor below:
While McGregor is yet to respond to the call out, he appears to be targeting a return to the octagon. He recently shared that he has been cleared to re-enter the USADA testing pool in February and will make his return soon thereafter.
Check out Conor McGregor's tweet below:
I am clear for testing in February. I will complete my two tests per USADA and we are booking a fight.