Michael Chandler praises Conor McGregor on BKFC deal: ‘With that being said, I KO him within 10 minutes’

Michael Chandler praises Conor McGregor on BKFC deal With that being said I KO him in 10 minutesSet to make his anticipated return to the Octagon this summer at UFC 303 in a grudge fight with…

Michael Chandler praises Conor McGregor on BKFC deal With that being said I KO him in 10 minutes

Set to make his anticipated return to the Octagon this summer at UFC 303 in a grudge fight with Conor McGregor, and whilst heaping praise on the Dubliner for striking an ownership deal with the BKFC (Bare Knuckle Fighting Championsihp) – claims he will knock out the veteran in their June clash.

Chandler, a former undisputed Bellator MMA lightweight champion thrice, competed for UFC lightweight spoils back in 2021, dropping a second round knockout loss of his own in a vacant championship affair with Charles Oliveira.

Michael Chandler claims Conor McGregor has small hands like a baby
Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

And sidelined since the following year’s submission loss to Dustin Poirier, Chandler is officially set to land his clamored-for fight with ex-two-division champion, McGregor later this year, with the pair meeting at the welterweight limit at UFC 303 during International Fight Week later this summer.

Michael Chandler predicts KO win over Conor McGregor

Reacting to news of McGregor’s part ownership of BKFC with his company, McGregor Sports and Entertainment, Michael Chandler praised the Dubliner for changing the landscape of combat sports – before offering a reality check in the form of a prediction of a knockout win in June.

Conor McGregor Proper 12 2

“Conor out here making moves… hate it or love it, the dude is making stuff happen,” Michael Chandler posted on his official X account. “With that being said, I KO him within 10 minutes on June 29 at #UFC303 @TheNotoriousMMA” 

And while Chandler has made his prediction for their UFC 303 clash, McGregor’s head coach, John Kavanagh claimed he sees the pairing play out similarly to his product’s 2015 interim featherweight title win over Chad Mendes, questioning if Chandler would see a second round. 

michael chandler

“I see similarities to the (Chad) Mendes fight,” Kavanagh explained. “I’d be surprised if it can go two rounds. I’d be surprised. He just hits too hard. He’s too sharp. Is there gonna be scrappiness and take down stuff? Maybe. But, every round starts on the feet, and his ability to get back there is underestimated. So, I’d be surprised if we see two rounds.”

Who wins at UFC 303: Conor McGregor or Michael Chandler?

Conor McGregor announces he is now a part owner of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship

Conor McGregor announces he is now a part owner of Bare Knuckle Fighting ChampionshipConor McGregor is now a part owner of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship. On Saturday, the Irish megastar revealed that…

Conor McGregor announces he is now a part owner of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship

Conor McGregor is now a part owner of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship.

On Saturday, the Irish megastar revealed that he would be making a “mega announcement” during the BKFC KnuckleMania IV broadcast live on pay-per-view. Speculation ran rampant that McGregor would announce a partnership between the bare-knuckle fight group and his popular brand of Irish whiskey, Proper No. 12.

Instead, it was something much more intriguing.

McGregor revealed that his company McGregor Sports & Entertainment is now a part owner of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship. What exactly this means for BKFC or his future with the UFC is uncertain.

Conor McGregor

Conor McGregor takes a piece of the BKFC pie while preparing for his return to the Octagon

McGregor is currently gearing up for his long-awaited return to the Octagon on July 29 during this year’s International Fight Week in Las Vegas. The former two-division titleholder is set to headline UFC 303 opposite former Bellator MMA champion Michael Chandler.

McGregor vs. Chandler

It will be his first time competing since suffering a devastating leg injury during his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier in July 2021.

Despite being shelved for nearly three years, McGregor has stayed in the spotlight for a variety of reasons. Almost one year ago to the day, McGregor stepped inside the BKFC squared circle at the promotion’s event in Denver, Colorado, for a viral staredown with the promotion’s top star, ‘Platinum’ Mike Perry.

Conor McGregor

The promotion had also previously announced a partnership with McGregor’s Forged Irish Stout.

Conor McGregor

What are your thoughts on McGregor’s shocking announcement and the future of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship?

Video – Conor McGregor serves pints in Irish bar as part of final drinking session ahead of UFC 303 return fight

Conor McGregor serves pints at Irish bar as part of final drinking session ahead of UFC 303 return fightConfirming plans to end his drinking sessions ahead of preparation for his UFC 303 comeback fight later this summer,…

Conor McGregor serves pints at Irish bar as part of final drinking session ahead of UFC 303 return fight

Confirming plans to end his drinking sessions ahead of preparation for his UFC 303 comeback fight later this summer, former two-divison champion, Conor McGregor was filmed behind the bar of a community pub in Meath overnight, pulling pints for fans. 

McGregor, a former undisputed lightweight champion and featherweight gold holder under the banner of the UFC, is finally set to make his return to action this summer at UFC 303 during International Fight Week.

Conor McGregor issued warning ahead of UFC 303 return he's in for a long night
Mandatory Credit: Icon Sportswire

Booking a showdown with former lightweight title challenger, Michael Chandler, Dublin striker, McGregor is set to return to the welterweight limit for the first time since 2020 – which marked his most recent win in the form of a first round TKO win over Hall of Fame star, Donald Cerrone. 

Conor McGregor serves pints to pubgoers in Meath bar

And welcoming Chandler back to the Octagon in tandem with his own return to active competition this summer atop UFC 303, Conor McGregor recently began his training camp in his native Dublin for his fight, sparring at long-time home base, Straight Blast Gym.

Brendan Schaub claims Conor McGregor is the most underpaid UFC fighter of all time
Mandatory Credit: Samir Hussein

Vowing to enter a period of sobriety from his own founded Proper Number Twelve Irish whiskey and Forged Irish Stout last week as he prepares of his fight with Chandler, McGregor and members of his entourage attended a launch event at ‘Nanny’s’ bar in Duleek, Meath – where he enjoyed a tipple and poured pints for a bar of fans and regulars, in footage obtained by Bloody Elbow.

Backed to defeat Chandler with similar poise to his 2015 interim featherweight crown win against Chad Mendes, McGregor’s head coach, John Kavanagh claimed the bout against the former Bellator MMA lightweight kingpin would likely before the end of a second round. 

Conor McGregor Pulling pints

“I see similarities to the (Chad) Mendes fight,” Kavanagh explained. “I’d be surprised if it can go two rounds. I’d be surprised. He just hits too hard. He’s too sharp. Is there gonna be scrappiness and take down stuff? Maybe. But, every round starts on the feet, and his ability to get back there is underestimated. So, I’d be surprised if we see two rounds.” 

Do you think Conor McGregor beats Michael Chandler in his UFC 303 return?

Conor McGregor reignites feud with Paulie Malignaggi ahead of UFC 303: ‘He got battered out of the gym’

Conor McGregor reignites feud with Paulie Malignaggi ahead of UFC 303 he got battered out of the gymAhead of his return to the Octagon in June, former two-division champion, Conor McGregor has rekindled his rivalry with…

Conor McGregor reignites feud with Paulie Malignaggi ahead of UFC 303 he got battered out of the gym

Ahead of his return to the Octagon in June, former two-division champion, Conor McGregor has rekindled his rivalry with former sparring partner, ex-professional boxer, Paulie Malignaggi, claiming the Italian-American was “battered out of the gym” during their infamous sparring sessions back in 2017.

McGregor, a former undisputed lightweight and featherweight champion under the banner of the UFC, has been sidelined since he fractured his left tibia and fibula in a first round doctor’s stoppage TKO loss to Dustin Poirier almost three years ago.

Conor McGregor Proper 12 2

And booking his official return to active competition amid more than a year of speculation linking him with a comeback to the Octagon, McGregor is officially set to headline UFC 303 at the end of June during International Fight Week.

Taking on former lightweight title challenger, Michael Chandler in a heated grudge match between the two, Conor McGregor – who has been backed by his long-time head coach, John Kavanagh to dispatch of the veteran contender inside two rounds, returned to full-time training this month in anticipation of his return.

Conor McGregor hits out at Paulie Maglignaggi years after sparring fiasco

Backed to return with aplomb amid his continued layoff through a nasty injury, McGregor could not help himself but once more aim barbs in the direction of the above-mentioned Malignaggi, claiming the former WBA and IBF gold holder was comfortably “battered” out of their gym and ring during their infamous sparring tussles back in 2017.

Conor Paulie Sparring

Notably stepping into the squared circle with McGregor that year to briefly help the Dubliner prepare for his historic tangle with former world champion star, Floyd Mayweather, footage emerged of Malignaggi finding himself on the receiving end of some heavy strikes from the former – with the argument of an apparent and phantom knockdown still rife. 

Going on to himself suffer a tenth round TKO loss to the unbeaten, Mayweather in the Michigan native’s final professional walk to the ring, McGregor and Malignaggi have both continuously weighed up a potential grudge match down the line since 2017, ultimately to no avail. 

Conor Paulie 2

Do you think Conor McGregor and Paulie Malignaggi will cross paths down the line?

Video – Conor McGregor shows off kick-Heavy sparring in new UFC 303 camp footage: ‘He’s looking smooth with it’

Conor McGregor shows off new kick-heavy sparring ahead of UFC 303 he's looking smooth with itFinally slated to make his return to active competition following an almost three-year hiatus from the Octagon, former undisputed…

Conor McGregor shows off new kick-heavy sparring ahead of UFC 303 he's looking smooth with it

Finally slated to make his return to active competition following an almost three-year hiatus from the Octagon, former undisputed two-weight champion, Conor McGregor has been described as looking “smooth” – as he shows off a wide array of kicks in new sparring footage released ahead of his UFC 303 comeback.

McGregor, a former undisputed lightweight and featherweight gold holder under the promotion’s banner, is set to make his return to the Octagon at UFC 303 at the end of June during International Fight Week, taking on Michael Chandler in a long-anticipated pairing at the welterweight limit.

Conor McGregor backed as super slick ahead of UFC 303 fight I would be surprised if we saw two rounds

Sidelined for the last three years, McGregor most recently dropped a first round doctor’s stoppage TKO loss to common-foe, Dustin Poirier after fracturing his left tibia and fibula in a gruesome end-of-round injury.

Conor McGregor shows off kick-heavy sparring pre-UFC 303

Ramping up camp at his home base Straight Blast Gym ahead of his anticipated return, Conor McGregor released sparring footage earlier this month, showing off his striking with UFC CEO, Dana White confirming his June return against Chandler.

connor mcgregor road house 65f9aff14b6b3 1

And this week, the 35-year-old released further before unseen footage, with fans noticing a kick-heavy approach to training, which included a bladed stance, as well as a variation of round kicks and lead hook kicks.

Backed to turn in a victory inside two rounds against Chandler by his long-time head coach, John Kavanagh, McGregor has been backed to approach the bout in a similar stylistic manner to his 2015 clash with Chad Mendes.

Conor McGregor backed to fight for 165lbs title at UFC 303 against Michael Chandler
Mandatory Credit: Chris Unger – Zuffa LLC

And while on-looking fans appear impressed with the Dubliner’s striking game, many have picked Chandler to prevail with his own explosive victory.

“That hook kick reminds of the featherweight days,” An X user posted.

“Conor is looking smooth with it.”

“Conor is so back.” 

“Chandler will toy McGregor (sic) for 5 rounds.”

“This is how I spar, and I’m 62.”

“Conor’s gonna go for a head kick for sure! And honest it looks pretty fast, there’s a great chance he catches Chandler.”

Who are you picking to win at UFC 303: Conor McGregor or Michael Chandler?

Conor McGregor issued stark warning ahead of fight with Michael Chandler at UFC 303: ‘He’s in for a long night’

Conor McGregor issued warning ahead of UFC 303 return he's in for a long nightUFC welterweight Matt Brown breaks down the upcoming Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler fight.  After much anticipation, UFC 303…

Conor McGregor issued warning ahead of UFC 303 return he's in for a long night

UFC welterweight Matt Brown breaks down the upcoming Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler fight. 

After much anticipation, UFC 303 on June 29 will see the return of McGregor to the UFC cage. In a fight that was expected to happen some months ago, the Irishman will take on former No.7 ranked lightweight, Chandler.

Conor McGregor backed to fight for 165lbs title at UFC 303 against Michael Chandler
Mandatory Credit: Chris Unger – Zuffa LLC

The fight will take place almost three years on since his last fight in which he broke his leg against Dustin Poirier. During this time there has also been public concern over McGregor’s use of both performance enhancing and recreational drugs, so it’s unclear what form of Conor McGregor onlookers can expect.

Conor McGregor issued warning ahead of UFC 303 return

Discussing the fight on the latest episode of ‘The Fighter Vs. The Writer’, UFC vet Brown believes McGregor could be in for a rough night. 

If Conor’s not at the top of his game, he’s in for a long f****** night because Michael Chandler is not going to make it a fun time for him,”. (H/T Bloody Elbow)

“It’s a huge risk and I think it’s going to be a great night for Chandler, I don’t think it’s going to be easy for him and I think Conor is going to give him some problems, touch him up, but it’s hard to imagine Conor being at this best and you have to be at your best to beat Michael Chandler.”

Conor McGregor backed as super slick ahead of UFC 303 fight I would be surprised if we saw two rounds

“Conor in his prime would have loved to fight Michael Chandler but is Conor still that guy?” questioned ‘The Immortal’, later adding that Chandler “is a lion and he’s going to come at you like a god damn cannonball, so he [Conor McGregor] better be training hard.”

Conor McGregor MIchael Chandler TUF UFC Slice
Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

Whatever McGregor doe show up to fight, it promises to be a show – just like any McGregor event. Recent social media posts do show that McGregor looking trim and training hard in preparation for an always game Chandler. 

Do you agree with Matt Brown?