The waiting game: Chandler vs. McGregor
It’s often said in sports that the build-up can be just as electrifying as the event. This rings true for Michael Chandler’s much-anticipated UFC bout with Conor McGregor. Chandler, boasting a record of 23-8 in MMA and 2-3 in UFC, is all set to face McGregor (22-6 MMA, 10-4 UFC) in what’s shaping up to be a stellar comeback fight. The pair coached against each other in the 31st season of “The Ultimate Fighter,” setting the stage for a high-octane clash.
Yet, the match date remains a question mark. Recently, McGregor’s coach, John Kavanagh, dropped a hint on “The MMA Hour” suggesting McGregor’s return might be as late as July. For Chandler, who’s been out of the ring since his November 2022 defeat to Dustin Poirier, this delay is less than ideal.
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Chandler, however, isn’t sold on the July timeline.
“My focus is locked on McGregor,” he asserts. “To me, all this talk feels like smoke and mirrors. I don’t think they plan to wait till July.” Chandler, not one to sit idle, is clear that he doesn’t have a cut-off date for when he’d move on to another opponent. “I’m looking forward to a beautiful Christmas with my family in Nashville, Tennessee, a rare treat in our fight world. As the new year rolls in, we’ll hit the ground running to sort this out. I’m hopeful for an announcement early in 2024.”
Despite the uncertainty, Chandler’s patience is unwavering.
“Being part of something as big as UFC 300 would be incredible, though I haven’t received any official word yet. But as you all know, I’m a gym rat – always training, always ready.”
As we await a firm date, the anticipation for this Chandler-McGregor showdown only grows, adding a thrilling layer to an already eagerly awaited matchup.
