Michael Chandler warned against becoming a "campfire story" ahead of Conor McGregor fight
Michael Chandler is set to welcome Conor McGregor back to the UFC octagon, and Aljamain Sterling recently weighed in on the highly anticipated matchup between the two explosive strikers.
'The Notorious' will make his long-awaited return to action this year and has been roped in to coach the next season of The Ultimate Fighter opposite 'Iron,' following which the pair will face off in the octagon. Considering their contrasting fighting styles and firebrand personalities, Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler certainly promises to be a highly entertaining affair.
It’s official everyone. Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler will coach The Ultimate Fighter!! https://t.co/RURTj4sqgy
Aljamain Sterling recently weighed in on the fight. He claimed that while Chandler possesses all the necessary tools to be a champion, the former Bellator lightweight champion's emphasis on delivering entertaining fights and reckless fighting style will hinder his potential.
In a recent video uploaded to his YouTube channel, 'Funk Master' broke down Chandler's fighting style and questioned the American's desire to become a champion.
"I think Chandler has all the tools in the world to become a UFC Champion. But he has to put together his fight IQ and figure out does he want to be the entertainer or does he want to win?... You don't want people telling stories about you around the firepit, "That Michael Chandler guy was so good, he could've been this or that."
Watch the full video below:
Aljamain Sterling predicts Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler fight
Aljamain Sterling is eagerly looking forward to Chandler's clash against Conor McGregor later this year. The bantamweight champion recently broke down the upcoming fight between the two firebrand strikers and shared his thoughts on who could emerge victorious.
In the same video mentioned above, 'Funk Master' analyzed the individual fighting styles of the two men and claimed that 'Iron' could defeat McGregor if he focused on winning instead of trying to entertain.
"You have a guy like Chandler who can hit like ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson and at the same time, wrestles his a** off, if needed... Michael Chandler had ‘shows’ in the past. If that Chandler shows up, this is Conor’s fight to lose... If Chandler comes in game-ready... And not just make a red-panty night payday, I think he goes out there and gets it done over Conor McGregor.”
Conor McGregor has not competed since suffering a nasty leg fracture in his ill-fated trilogy bout against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264. The Irishman has gone 2-2 in his last five outings, with the last victory against Donald Cerrone in 2020. The former Bellator champion has the same record in his last five bouts, last losing to Dustin Poirier via third-round submission at UFC 281.