Is Michael Chandler the easiest prey for Conor McGregor? Beneil Dariush dons analyst cap to explain
UFC lightweight Beneil Dariush has weighed in on Conor McGregor's return and analyzed whether or not Michael Chandler is the perfect opponent to welcome him back to the octagon.
Earlier this month, Dana White dropped a bombshell that McGregor would be making his return to the UFC to coach alongside Chandler in Season 31 of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF). The UFC president also added that following the culmination of the show, 'The Notorious' and 'Iron' will headline a pay-per-view sometime later this year.
Though the weight class for the fight has not been officially confirmed, Dana White stated that it will be at 155lbs. Both fighters are 1-3 in their last four appearances, but despite their mixed performances, remain two of the biggest stars in the UFC.
In an appearance on Submission Radio, Beneil Dariush weighed in on their clash. The Iranian-American donned his analyst cap for the fight and explained Conor McGregor's path to victory versus Chandler:
"Chandler is the easiest fight for [Conor McGregor] to win. I'm not saying he can't win against the other guys, but out of everybody, Chandler is the easiest fight. Mike doesn't use his skillset properly. Energy management, zero with Chandler, striking defense, zero with Chandler... Right now, he just wants to be exciting and just go out there and go until you die, which is what he does."
Catch Dariush's comments here (18:00):
Conor McGregor's coach breaks down upcoming fight with Michael Chandler
Conor McGregor's coach, John Kavanagh, recently gave his take on the bout between McGregor and Michael Chandler.
According to the Straight Blast Gym (SBG) head coach, they are prepared to go to war with 'Iron' and are expecting a fight similar to McGregor versus Chad Mendes at UFC 189.
Conor McGregor fought with a torn ACL but won the bout via a second-round TKO against Mendes. It wasn't all plain sailing for the Irishman, however, as he was taken to deep waters against Mendes due to the American's wrestling and grappling.
Conor McGregor vs Chad Mendes https://t.co/s8Vq4CeM68
In an interview with Sherdog, the 46-year-old coach explained:
"[Michael Chandler] throws big powerful punches, he [has] big powerful wrestling moves. You know, [he] wouldn't be the slickest striker, and the grappling is - kind of, big double-leg [takedowns]. It's not like an Oliveira-style submission game or say, the likes of [an] Islam-style clinch game."
John Kavanagh added:
"He's very effective with it, but it's kind of, brute force [which requires] a lot of energy, a lot of power. And, actually, I think it could resemble - a little bit - the [Chad] Mendes fight. Mendes was that style - blocky guy, big punches, big double-legs."
Catch the interview here (28:50):