When Conor
McGregor revealed that his long-awaited bout against Michael
Chandler would be contested at middleweight, it raised eyebrows
throught the mixed martial arts community.
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After all, neither McGregor nor Chandler has competed at 185 pounds
during their respective careers. Chandler has a theory on why the
Irish superstar chose that weight class.
“In his mind, he can’t fight at 170 [pounds], because I called him
out at 170,” Chandler told ESPN. “He had to say 185. … He always wants
to establish dominance, to make people think that I am less than
him, and that’s fine. I’ll take that all day long, because I’m
confident in myself, and I don’t have an ego.
“I have no problem with what people say. I have no problem with
people’s opinions. Everybody’s got an opinion, and who cares? …
I’ll take that ‘back seat’ to him the entire time, and if he thinks
he’s taking a fight against a lesser man, then so be it. He’ll find
out on June 29.”
Chandler and McGregor served as opposing coaches on “The Ultimate
Fighter 31,” and it was initially expected that the two would
square off at some point late in 2023. When that didn’t come to
fruition, the next targeted date was UFC 300 in April. While the
fight has been delayed on multiple occasions, Chandler is confident
that the International Fight Week date will happen as planned.
“We all know it’s never 100 percent officially confirmed until we
actually step in the Octagon, but obviously my team has been in
touch with the UFC,” Chandler said. “June 29 is what I’m preparing
for. I’m leaving my family to head down to Florida to get into
fight camp — the fight camp that has been looming now for a year.”