Conor McGregor has been told that Michael Chandler is the perfect opponent for his UFC comeback fight.
McGregor has not fought since July 2021 when he broke his leg in a brutal defeat by Dustin Poirier which left his future in doubt. However after over a year of rehabilitation and recovery, the Irishman has announced he will make his comeback as part of the UFC's The Ultimate Fighter series where he will take on former 155lb contender Chandler.
The American star is also looking to bounce back from defeat by Poirier and it is expected he will make the switch to take the fight at 170lb. McGregor needs a win to restore his recent decline in form, where he has just one victory in his last four outings in the UFC.
And former two-weight champion Henry Cejudo believes McGregor will be able to overcome Chandler in their fight to try to begin a new title charge. He tweeted: I think Michael Chandler is the perfect first opponent back for Conor McGregor. Unless Chandler makes some serious adjustments, McGregor's gift of anticipation will win him this fight."
'Triple C' later added in his YouTube video : "Conor McGregor is a very smart man because he picked the right opponent. Michael ‘Iron’ Chandler, Chandler is an entertainer number one. Chandler likes to throw power and I think it suits Conor McGregor very very well. Why do I say that? It’s because Conor McGregor does have better striking.
"He is a lot more precise. Conor McGregor’s greatest gift is his anticipation. If you are in that boxing range, Conor is gonna piece you up. Conor’s gonna anticipate you and stick you. Chandler you are an entertainer but that does not win championships. Being popular doesn't mean you are the best in the world, I am actually cheering for you. But unless you make them adjustments, Conor will take you out."
Do you think Conor McGregor will beat Michael Chandler? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below
McGregor has put on weight since his time out of action and has shown off a new ripped physique in training. A win for 'The Notorious' could see him return to title honours providing the champion at the time is open to handing him a shot. And UFC legend Michael Bisping would not be surprised if it came immediately after a potential win over Chandler.
“If McGregor gets it done, will we see him fight for the title next? That is a given,” Bisping said on his YouTube channel when assessing McGregor's chances of becoming champion again. “That is 100 percent. Just prepare yourself mentally for that. Regardless of whatever you think, he’s the biggest star of the sport.
“So if he goes out there and beats Michael Chandler, who’s one of the top-ranked lightweights on the planet, and he does so in exciting fashion, I’ll be honest: I’ll have no problem with him fighting for the belt. McGregor vs Chandler, I’m excited. Take my money already."
