‘I’ll slice through him’ – Conor McGregor reveals prediction for Michael Chandler clash and what weight he’ll fight at
CONOR MCGREGOR has revealed how he feels his fight with Michael Chandler will go.
The Notorious is finally set to return to action later this year, having been out since breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier in July 2021.
McGregor, 34, has agreed to coach on The Ultimate Fighter against Chandler, before then taking to the octagon against the American himself.
While chatting to The Mac Life, McGregor agreed that Chandler has similarities to former opponent Chad Mendes.
After it was pointed out to him that he finished Mendes in the second round, McGregor was asked if he expects something similar this time around.
He replied: “I think I’m going slice through him. I think I’m a little too slicy for him than anyone else he’s fought.
“A little too snappy and whippy and I think I’ll slice through him.”
Quizzed if the fight will take place at 170lbs or 155lbs, McGregor surprisingly responded: “185.”
He then laughed and added: “That’s what I said to him yesterday.
“I said ‘do you know what weight we’re doing? Are you alright with 185?’
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“Just having a buzz with him, he’s a nice guy.”
McGregor had already admitted that he likes Chandler.
Quizzed about the former Bellator lightweight champion, he said: “I like Michael, I had a good little buzz with him yesterday.
“I’ve no issues with him at all. I think he’s a good fighter.
He’s more of an athlete type of a guy than a technical martial artist
Conor McGregor
“Coaching against him, I’m interested to see his coaching style, he’s more of an athlete type of a guy than a technical martial artist.
“I know he’s got some skills in the wrestling department, he’s got some skills overall, but as far as the small, finer details – I’m not sure, I’m interested to see.”
Chandler, 36, made his long-awaited UFC debut as the co-main on McGregor’s second bout with Poirier in January 2021.
Since that maiden victory against Dan Hooker he has gone 1-3 in the UFC, albeit fighting exclusively top-ranked guys.
He fell to Charles Oliveira while fighting for the title that had just been vacated by Khabib Nurmagomedov, before then losing a classic to Justin Gaethje at Madison Square Garden.
He returned to winning ways against Tony Ferguson last May, before losing another gruelling war with McGregor’s old rival Poirier in November, again at MSG.
Following the first week of filming the new Ultimate Fighter series, Chandler took to social media to reflect on the process.
He wrote: “tuf31 is so much more work than I anticipated. Emotional rollercoaster. I am so much more invested in every one of these athlete’s futures than I ever could have planned for.
“At the end of week one, I admit I haven’t made perfect choices every step of the way, but one thing is certain… they know I am in their corner and I would move heaven & earth to put them in the best position possible to be the best version of themselves on fight night.
“I love my team. They feel it. I feel it. We are working diligently to put gameplans in place and accruing skills to get their hands raised on fight night.
“#teamchandler is looking and FEELING strong, I am proud of what we are building.”