Islam Makhachev expects Michael Chandler to retire after Conor McGregor fight
Conor McGregor is set to face Michael Chandler in his highly anticipated return to the octagon after the pair coach opposing teams on season 31 of The Ultimate Fighter.
Ahead of his first title defense at UFC 284, Islam Makhachev speculated that the No.5-ranked lightweight may retire after the payday that comes with fighting the former double champ.
McGREGOR vs CHANDLER IS CONFIRMED!!
@TheNotoriousMMA and @MikeChandlerMMA will officially coach the next season of #TUF31! https://t.co/effjf0Rg2M
Speaking to Brett Okamoto of ESPN MMA, the lightweight champion stated:
"I think for Chandler, this fight, it's the last fight for him. He's going to make money and that's it. He's going to retire or if he loses, maybe the UFC kicks him out because how many times he lose? For Conor, I don't know. He's not going to be in good shape. A lot of drugs, alcohol, a lot of bad stuff. He's not going to be in good shape and it's going to be hard to beat Chandler."
Islam Makhachev joked that one of the fighters, both of whom are 1-3 in their last four bouts, will finally pick up a victory. He was then asked if he could see McGregor emerging victorious, adding:
"Conor can beat him because I don't understand Chandler because he has a background in wrestling, but he go always crazy. Maybe, he did this, he lose a couple times because if he beat, last fight, [Dustin] Poirier or [Justin] Gaethje, he's never going to fight with Conor, but both same streak. Last four fights, they both lose three times. That's why this fight is happening."
Makhachev shared that he is interested in seeing how the bout plays out. However, he noted that neither Conor McGregor nor Michael Chandler are close to his level.
Watch Islam Makhachev discuss Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler below (starting at the 8:38 mark):
Michael Bisping speculates Conor McGregor will receive title shot with victory over Michael Chandler
Conor McGregor is currently unranked and has just one victory since 2016, as he defeated Donald Cerrone in a welterweight bout at UFC 246. Despite this, UFC Hall of Famer Michael Bisping believes the former double champ will receive a title opportunity with a victory over Michael Chandler. Speaking on his YouTube channel, the UFC commentator stated:
"If McGregor gets it done, will we see him fight for the title next? That is a given. That is 100 percent. Just prepare yourself mentally for that. Regardless of whatever you think, he’s the biggest star in the sport. He’s a former two-weight division champion, and he’s a person that people want to see fight."
While it is fair to question if McGregor is truly deserving of a title shot, it would not be surprising to see him awarded the opportunity due to his massive stardom. Bisping further speculated that the former double champ could walk away from the sport altogether if he is unable to defeat Chandler.
Watch Michael Bisping's comments on Conor McGregor below (starting at the 7:43 mark):