Michael Chandler has confirmed that he will be facing Conor McGregor at International Fight Week this year, although the weight class for the fight is still uncertain.
Michael Chandler has confirmed it. He’s set to face Conor McGregor at this year’s International Fight Week. The two fighters have been circling each other for nearly a year, the only obstacle? Setting a date for the fight.
McGregor kicked off the New Year with an announcement. The fight is happening on June 29. Chandler confirmed this on Wednesday, adding a bit of intrigue. He said, “That’s exactly what I’ve heard as well.”
Chandler shared this on his YouTube channel. He added a note of caution though. The UFC hasn’t officially announced the fight yet. He reminded fans of a similar situation back in February 2023.
Back then, talks about The Ultimate Fighter were ongoing. McGregor, in his typical style, broke the news himself. The UFC confirmed it later. Chandler believes history is repeating itself.
He said, “June 29, International Fight Week, me versus Conor.” There’s one thing Chandler isn’t sure about though. The weight class.
McGregor declared the fight will be at 185 pounds. This announcement, made with a laugh, caught fans off guard. Most of McGregor’s career has been at 145 and 155 pounds. Why the sudden jump to 185? Chandler has a theory.
He explained, “Conor wants to continue the narrative that he’s bigger than he actually is.” He added that McGregor’s size is often exaggerated due to lighting, camera angles, and good photography.
Chandler also pointed to his own fight at UFC 274. He had challenged McGregor to fight at his “biggest, baddest, and best.” McGregor couldn’t say the fight was at 155 pounds. He wanted fans to think he’s too big for that.
He also couldn’t say it was at 170 pounds. That would mean he wasn’t in control. Chandler had initially called for the fight at 170. So, McGregor said 185.
Does Chandler believe the fight is at 185? He’s game. The weight class doesn’t matter to him. He said, “Two guys that weigh the same…ish.”
Chandler spent five weeks with McGregor in Las Vegas. He saw him almost every day. He knows they’re similar in size. Whether they’re cutting 25 pounds down to 155 or 15 pounds down to 170, they’re the same weight.
He’s not worried about the weight. He’s not worried about the shenanigans outside of training and nutrition. He can figure out whatever weight he needs to go to.
185 sounds great to him. Minimal weight cutting, training without having to cut weight. 170 would be easy too. He’s excited that the fight is finally happening.
It’s landing in Las Vegas, June 29, International Fight Week. This is usually the biggest card of the year.
One big question remains. How will a win affect the rankings? Both fighters are primarily lightweights. Would a win over McGregor, who’s coming off a two-year layoff, at 185 pounds put Chandler back in the 155-pound title conversation?
Chandler isn’t worried about that. He just wants to settle his business with McGregor. He’ll worry about everything else later.
He said, “It’s going to be a big card, it’s going to be fun, and I finish Conor within the first two rounds and after that, probably end his career.” He wants to break McGregor’s will, his jaw, and separate him from consciousness.
He wants to “flatline him inside the octagon.” Then, they can say farewell to the sport’s biggest star. Chandler’s full interview can be found below.