Michael Chandler is set to fight Conor McGregor at UFC 303, after waiting over a year due to McGregor’s issues with the UFC’s anti-doping program and promotional tour commitments, and believes it will be a pivotal moment in both their careers.
Michael Chandler’s been playing the waiting game. For over a year, he’s been itching to get in the ring with Conor McGregor. The stakes? UFC 303.
Chandler’s no newbie. He’s a three-time Bellator lightweight champ. But getting his hands on McGregor? That’s been a challenge. McGregor’s had his share of drama with the UFC’s anti-doping program. Then there’s his promotional tour for the Road House remake. Through it all, Chandler’s been patient. His focus? Fighting.
Sure, there were moments of doubt. Chandler wondered if the fight would ever happen. But now, he’s certain. McGregor will show up on June 29.
Chandler’s got his doubts, though. Is McGregor training as hard as he is? Is he taking this as seriously? Chandler’s not too proud to give McGregor some props. McGregor’s had opponents pull out before. Diaz, for example. Aldo, too. But McGregor? He always shows up.
McGregor’s a showman. He likes to be the puppet master. He enjoys getting reactions. But when it comes down to it, McGregor’s all in. He’s signed the contract. He’ll show up.
Unless there’s an act of God or some crazy circumstances, McGregor will be there. That’s Chandler’s take.
Assuming nothing goes wrong, McGregor’s return is set for almost exactly three years after his devastating broken leg incident. That was against Dustin Poirier in 2021. It’s been a long road back for McGregor. An injury like that can change everything. Just ask Anderson Silva and Chris Weidman.
Silva, in particular, was never the same after his leg break. His UFC career ended with a 1-5 record and one no-contest in his last seven fights.
McGregor’s also turning 36 just two weeks after UFC 303. Time’s not on his side.
That’s why Chandler thinks UFC 303 is the event of the year. Either McGregor makes a stunning comeback, or he limps out of the octagon for the last time.
Chandler’s on record saying everyone should buy the pay-per-view. One of two things will happen. McGregor makes the greatest comeback in combat sports history, or Chandler dismantles him. It could be McGregor’s last fight.
Chandler’s not saying that because he expects McGregor to retire. But McGregor’s always prided himself on being one of the best. If he can’t measure up, he might not stick around after UFC 303.
Chandler’s not wishing ill on McGregor. He’s just saying, we’ll see where McGregor stands in the world of high-class fighters. Chandler’s a top-ranked guy. He’s in the top seven. Where does McGregor stack up?
This could be McGregor’s last fight. So, Chandler says, buy the pay-per-view. It could be your last chance to see McGregor. And your chance to see Chandler climb the ranks.
For McGregor, it might be do-or-die on June 29. But Chandler’s got high stakes too.
Chandler can’t lose to McGregor. Not after McGregor’s been out for three years. Not to the guy who’s been written off. Not to the guy who sleeps on silk sheets on his Lamborghini yacht. Chandler can’t lose to that guy. The pressure’s on.