Conor McGregor has been told he could lose to Michael Chandler after enjoying a party lifestyle during his time away from the UFC.
The Irishman has lost three of his last four fights and has not fought since July 2021 where he broke his leg in defeat by Dustin Poirier. However he has since made his recovery from the injury after an extensive time away from the octagon, and is set to face Chandler in his return clash this year as part of The Ultimate Fighter.
Filming has started for the coaching stint of the series, with McGregor having flown out to Las Vegas to assume his coaching role against Chandler. However footage was released of McGregor 'stumbling' around which prompted fresh criticism from fans.
And 155lb contender Rafael Fiziev has suggested that this could play into Chandler's hands if he is to pull off a big result when the fight date is announced. “Bro, I saw McGregor’s face when he came to the UFC Performance Institute, I think he has had too much of a party,” Fiziev told Submission Radio. “Too much partying every day. You know his face, he looks like he rest a lot, drinks Proper Twelve a lot.
"I think (Michael) Chandler has a big chance to make his future sweet. Chandler, he also has good timing, has big power. He just has to do like smart, everything smart with McGregor. No need to make like something crazy like with Justin. You know, put his hands down, going forward. This he has to delete it. Have to need more smart a little bit and he can beat him for sure. I believe a hundred percent.”
McGregor had a busy 2022 where he was spotted partying across the globe including in Italy and Spanish party island Ibiza during several luxury holidays. However McGregor has insisted it is back to business now and has been training hard in Dublin prior to flying out for his return to The Ultimate Fighter.
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His upcoming rival Chandler is a dangerous opponent and is known for his striking power that has seen him score big KOs against Tony Ferguson and Dan Hooker. McGregor will likely go in as the favourite despite his form, but any complacency could see him further derail his UFC career.
And Chandler has insisted whoever lands first on fight night will likely be the one to have their hand raised. “If he lands one on the button, it’s going to be a rough night for me," Chandler told ESPN. If I land one on the button, it’s going to be a rough night for him, but which one of us can do it?
"I’m going to get in his face, make him take a backwards step right away. I believe I finish Conor in the second round. That’s my ‘Mystic Mike’ take on this, later on this year whenever it is.”
