Israel Adesanya discusses whether Michal Chandler should wait for Conor McGregor or take another fight: “That’s even better for him"
Conor McGregor's long-awaited return to MMA was set to take place at UFC 303 on June 29 against Michael Chandler. However, several weeks after the fight was confirmed, it was announced that McGregor had suffered an injury and withdrew from the fight.
Many expected the Irishman to return to fighting in 2023, but according to UFC CEO Dana White, several delays on the side of 'The Notorious' caused the fight to be pushed further and further back.
However, following the Irishman's recent withdrawal from UFC 303, discussions have begun about whether 'Iron' should continue to wait or take another fight.
Chandler has not fought since 2022, and a man coming off a hiatus of his own - Israel Adesanya - recently shared his thoughts on what the lightweight should do going forward.
Adesanya said this:
"That fight's gonna happen regardless. So Chandler should just take a fight and that's even better for him. Win or lose, 'cause he'll still get more reps. Take a fight, regardless. That Conor fight is always gonna be there, 'cause they've both faced each other in [The Ultimate Fighter], all that kind of stuff... But yeah, just take another fight, I think."
Watch Adesanya discuss Conor McGregor-Michael Chandler below (2:00):
Robert Whittaker shares confusion at Conor McGregor's desire to keep fighting
Conor McGregor is, without a doubt, the most successful MMA fighter of all time, financially, and has an estimated net worth of over $200 million. He has also achieved a plethora of records in the octagon, including being the first simultaneous two-division UFC champion.
Having suffered a career-threatening leg break against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in 2021, 'The Notorious' is yet to return to fighting. He was scheduled to fight Michael Chandler at UFC 303 on June 29 but was forced to withdraw due to injury.
While discussing McGregor's potential return, Robert Whittaker shared his confusion at the Irishman's eagerness to fight, saying this:
"The dude doesn't need to fight. I don't know why he's fighting anyway. [He's] rich as hell. I think fighting is one of those games where you need to dedicate every morsel of brain matter and focus and energy you have into the game. That is the sacrifice, is that it consumes you. And he knows that better than anybody else."
Watch Robert Whittaker discuss Conor McGregor below (11:25):