Conor McGregor has clapped back at Michael Chandler's threat to beat him to "within an inch of his career", insisting that he is not concerned about his next opponent.
The lightweight contenders, who are expected to jump up to welterweight for their bout at the end of this season of The Ultimate Fighter, have had a relatively respectful build-up since it was confirmed that they would fight this year. But things were reportedly testy on set of the reality show, and the pair are now eager to get in the cage with one another.
McGregor is currently in America where he is preparing to enter an intensive training camp, although an issue with Anti-Doping Agency USADA is stopping him from nailing down an exact fight date. And he has vowed to return stronger than ever more than two years after his gruesome leg break cost him a large chunk of his later career.
"These big fight nights always make me want to fight so bad," Chandler tweeted while watching last night's UFC 287. "Can’t wait to go out there and beat Conor McGregor within an inch of his career." The Irishman immediately dismissed his threat, saying: "I sweat you, and all of you, not one iota."
McGregor was originally due to face Nate Diaz on the TV show, with a trilogy bout between the pair expected at the end of the series. But talks broke down and the former lightweight title contender ended up quitting the UFC altogether, with boxing likely in his future.
Who do you think wins Conor McGregor vs Nate Diaz? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!
“It was originally to be against Nate. It was Nate, me versus Nate,” McGregor stated during an interview on the MMA Hour. “So I didn’t mind who it was against, to be honest, nor do I mind who I compete against, that’s widely known. So I had agreed to it, it was Nate, it was like a day or two before, now it’s Michael Chandler. I’m not sure what went down on that end.
"But it was me versus Chandler, and that’s it. I have no problem, I’m happy with it. I'll get that again. That trilogy will happen at some stage for sure. We must fight. We're one apiece, it's a great rivalry, and it was a great fight so we've got to square that away for sure. Am I a person not to get the fights made and done and happen? Look at all the fights I've had. When I say it, it happens."
McGregor and Chandler have both had inconsistent runs in the UFC in recent years, with the Irishman losing three of his last four and Chandler going 2-3 since signing with the organisation. However, the American has been considerably more active, and will likely be a favourite heading into the bout.
