Michael Chandler is dying to get his hands on Conor McGregor at UFC 303 next month (June 29, 2024).
The long-awaited battle of The Ultimate Fighter 32 (TUF) coaches is finally official. McGregor vs. Chandler will headline International Fight Week 2024 and the timespan ahead of the clash has given plenty of preparation for “Iron.”
Always confident in his abilities, Chandler feels the event will be a must-see for a few reasons. The former three-time Bellator Lightweight champion expects to get his hand raised but ultimately believes the performance will so one-sided that it will end his rival’s career.
“You have to buy this pay-per-view because this could be the last time that you ever see Conor McGregor fight,” Chandler told the New York Post. “I truly believe what I’m going to do to him on June 29 is going to warrant and merit him never stepping back into the Octagon.
“It is two of the most explosive, exciting guys,” he continued. “Two of the most intriguing guys, and possibly the greatest comeback in combat sports history or Conor McGregor’s last fight. Last time we ever see him compete in mixed martial arts.”
McGregor’s last appearances in the Octagon were far from ideal outcomes against Dustin Poirier in 2021. The Irishman suffered a brutal second round knockout loss in the pair’s rematch before a first round technical knockout in their trilogy. The latter came from a broken leg at the end of the opening frame for McGregor (watch highlights). He’s since rehabbed and healed from the injury, taking his first major movie role in the process.
The upcoming bout will take place at 170 pounds with no title on the line. However, because of the fight’s status, Chandler believes it’s deserving of such a prize, no matter what that would be.