Michael Chandler reacts to Conor McGregor chilling poolside with "discount beer" while watching old fights
Michael Chandler has put forth his reaction to footage of Conor McGregor relaxing with some beer by a swimming pool and watching an old fight. Amid speculation that their long-awaited showdown may not materialize, Chandler jibed by suggesting that the Irishman was trying to relive his glory days.
A former UFC featherweight and lightweight champion, McGregor is a tremendously successful entrepreneur as well. 'The Notorious' has founded renowned brands like Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey, Forged Irish Stout, and August McGregor clothing.
The combat sports megastar has been away from MMA competition since he suffered a gruesome leg injury at UFC 264 (July 2021) against Dustin Poirier. That said, McGregor notably featured in a coaching capacity opposite rival coach Michael Chandler for the UFC's TUF ('The Ultimate Fighter') Season 31 in 2023.
Conor McGregor was scheduled to end his MMA hiatus by facing Michael Chandler in a welterweight bout at UFC 303 (June 29, 2024). However, a toe injury forced McGregor to withdraw from the event. Chandler, too, hasn't competed since Nov. 2022. The veteran MMA fighters recently hinted at clashing in Dec. 2024.
Earlier this month (Aug. 2024), McGregor lambasted former POTUS (President of the United States) Donald Trump after the latter named McGregor's archnemesis Khabib Nurmagomedov as his favorite fighter. Addressing one of the Irishman's tweets about Trump, Chandler suggested that their fight is off.
McGregor responded by tweeting that he'd swapped out Chandler and would instead face recently-crowned BMF champion Max Holloway. 'Iron' hit back by opining that Holloway currently wouldn't fight either of them. Presently, it's unclear when the long-awaited McGregor-Chandler matchup would come to fruition, if ever.
For his part, McGregor recently posted a video on X, wherein he appeared to be inside his yacht, beside a swimming pool that had a large screen adjacent to it. The on-screen footage indicated that he was watching his iconic UFC 205 (Nov. 2016) fight against Eddie Alvarez.
McGregor had a glass of his stout and a few cans placed next to it. His statement in the tweet read:
"@ForgedStout fridays, ya know yourself!"
Watch the video in McGregor's tweet below:
Taking to X, Michael Chandler responded by indicating that Conor McGregor was attempting to relive his glory days. Jibing at his Forged Irish Stout as well, 'Iron' wrote:
"Reminder: discount beer and reliving the glory days is a bad look..."
Conor McGregor slams beer at BKFC 63, drawing concern over potential UFC comeback
After the Conor McGregor-Michael Chandler UFC 303 fight fell apart, UFC CEO Dana White recently signaled that he's unsure about McGregor's return. White believes McGregor is wealthy enough to quit fighting and might end up doing so, akin to Ronda Rousey.
Meanwhile, 'The Notorious' has consistently maintained that he could fight in December. Speculation has abounded that McGregor's luxurious lifestyle and entrepreneurial success may impede his much-awaited MMA comeback.
Furthermore, McGregor became a co-owner of the BKFC (Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship) organization earlier this year. The MMA great delivered a fiery speech at BKFC 63 (Aug. 3, 2024), promoting the organization. He also chugged from a can of Forged Irish Stout inside the ring.
That has led some fans to urge McGregor to steer clear of drinking and smoking and focus on his return to fighting.
Watch Conor McGregor's beer celebration below: