Ian Garry outlines "the only way" he sees Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler going down at UFC 303
Ian Garry has explained how he sees the Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler showdown playing out. A former UFC featherweight and lightweight champion, McGregor is scheduled to face UFC lightweight contender Chandler in a welterweight bout that'll headline UFC 303 on June 29, 2024.
Ireland's McGregor suffered a gruesome leg injury in his first-round TKO defeat in a lightweight clash against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 (July 2021). The combat sports megastar hasn't competed since and worked on rehabilitating his injured leg. Meanwhile, America's Chandler last competed at UFC 281 (Nov. 2022), losing via third-round submission in a lightweight bout against Poirier.
The 26-year-old Garry, a rising UFC welterweight star, is no stranger to the two veteran fighters. He's often credited fellow Irishman McGregor for inspiring him to pursue an MMA career. Additionally, 'The Future' is well-acquainted with Chandler, as they've extensively trained together at the Kill Cliff FC gym in Florida.
In a recent video on his TikTok handle, Garry yet again suggested that McGregor's likely to defeat Chandler. Indicating that 'The Notorious' could knock Chandler out, akin to how he out-struck and stopped Eddie Alvarez in their iconic fight at UFC 205 (Nov. 2016). Garry stated:
"I love the matchup for Conor. I love it. I see it being very similar to Eddie Alvarez. The only way that I see this fight going is Conor doing that beautiful eight stance that he has with his hand, and he starts playing with Chandler's lead hand."
He added:
"And Chandler's doing everything he can to get past that distance control that he does so beautifully well, mixing it up with some awkward kicks that shut, that kind of freeze your movement and your motion. And that's when Conor comes in with that left hand and just puts people to sleep. And I fully see vintage, prime Conor coming out in this fight."
Garry feels Chandler's hard-hitting, aggressive approach plays into McGregor's counter-striking style and that 'Iron' is the perfect opponent for the Irishman. He believes Chandler has to wrestle with his counterpart if he wants to have any success. Garry, who'll also compete at UFC 303, concluded:
"Conor's distance control is too good. Conor's understanding of movement and motion is too elite. And I fully believe Conor will find that opportunity, and we will see a massive knockout. And 'The Mac' is back."
Check out Garry's comments below:
When Ian Garry cautioned Michael Chandler about his potential approach to Conor McGregor fight
Back in March 2023, a backstage conversation between Ian Garry and Michael Chandler at UFC 285 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, piqued fan interest. He greeted Chandler, and their conversation included a reference to 'Iron's' fight against Conor McGregor, the date for which hadn't been officially announced at the time.
Akin to his latest prediction for the matchup this year, Garry insinuated that Chandler's usual aggressive approach, particularly his high-risk striking style, could be counterintuitive against McGregor. 'The Future' warned Chandler not to go wild against 'The Notorious.' The American replied by saying:
"I never go wild!"
Garry, who's often been praised by McGregor and returned the favor, lightheartedly jabbed at Chandler's fighting style and said:
"Get the f**k out of here! Just don't go wild."
Watch their conversation below: