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?

Conor McGregor again backed to fight for 165lbs title against Michael Chandler at UFC 303: ‘It draws attention’

Conor McGregor backed to fight for 165lbs title at UFC 303 against Michael ChandlerReceiving official confirmation of his clamoured for UFC 303 at the end June, former two-weight champion, Conor McGregor has…

Conor McGregor backed to fight for 165lbs title at UFC 303 against Michael Chandler

Receiving official confirmation of his clamoured for UFC 303 at the end June, former two-weight champion, Conor McGregor has again been backed to fight for an inaugural super lightweight crown at the 165lbs limit – in his slated bout with Michael Chandler.

Dana White claims Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler won't happen until the Fall in UFC

McGregor, a former undisputed lightweight and featherweight champion under the banner of the promotion, has been sidelined since 2021, yet to return since fracturing his left tibia and fibula in an opening round doctor’s stoppage TKO defeat to common-foe, Dustin Poirier.

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And as for Chandler, it’s been almost two years away from action for the Kill Cliff FC staple, who himself has yet to return since he was submitted by the above-mentioned, Poirier in their grudge fight at Madison Square Garden in late 2022.

Conor McGregor backed to compete for 165lbs crown at UFC 303

Finally set to fight the Missouri veteran at UFC 303 in at the end of June atop an International Fight Week card, McGregor – who was selected as an ideal candidate to compete for a would-be inaugural 165lbs crown, has been further backed by former two-division titleholder, Daniel Cormier.

Conor McGregor confirms summer UFC fight against Michael Chandler is set we got confirmation
Mandatory Credit: Dia Dipasupil

“I believe that if they’re [the UFC] going to do a 165lbs division, it should have a name attached to the weight class that is so big that it draws people’s attention,” Daniel Cormier said during an appearance on Good Guy / Bad Guy. “Conor McGregor being that name. Michael Chandler, on the other hand, will benefit from being in the right place at the riht time, where these guys would then fight for the super lightweight championship of the world, because that’s what I believe it is.”

And while Lafayette veteran, Cormier calls for the induction of a super lightweight division, McGregor bout with Chandler has already been nailed down at the welterweight limit of 170lbs, as per an official announcement from promotional CEO, Dana White.

Would you like to see Conor McGregor compete for the first-ever super lightweight title?

Michael Chandler admits career ‘Death sentence’ worry ahead of UFC 303 fight with Conor McGregor

Michael Chandler admits career death sentence worry ahead of UFC 303 fight with Conor McGregorMichael Chandler says his layoff is a concern as it could be a career death sentence for him. Chandler…

Michael Chandler admits career death sentence worry ahead of UFC 303 fight with Conor McGregor

Michael Chandler says his layoff is a concern as it could be a career death sentence for him.

Chandler will finally end his layoff in the main event of UFC 303 on June 29 in Las Vegas, Nevada against Conor McGregor. It’s a highly-anticipated fight and one that has been talked about for over a year, as he last competed in November of 2022.

Michael Chandler confirms he's entered camp for fight with Conor McGregor at UFC 302
Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

Chandler and McGregor coached TUF against one another last year and the hope was the fight would happen then. But, it didn’t come to fruition, and Chandler continued to wait for the scrap, which he admits could hurt him.

Michael Chandler admits hiatus brings worry into UFC 303 return

“I went 688 days without winning a fight, almost two full years without winning a fight. For a mixed martial artist, this could be a career death sentence. That’s when the doubt from everybody plus yourself continues to compound on itself,” Michael Chandler said on The Shawn Ryan Show (via GiveMeSport).

Ring rust has been a factor for several fighters, but Chandler is doing everything he can to make sure it doesn’t happen.

Michael Chander hired a sports psychologist ahead of His return

During the time off, Michael Chandler has revealed he hired a sports psychologist to try and help him out mentally ahead of his return.

Michael Chandler confirms Conor McGregor fight is set for this summer I got the official announcement
Mandatory Credit: Mike Kirschbaum

Chandler believes the mental game is as important as the physical part, so he’s confident it will help him put together a great performance against McGregor.

“I hired a sports psychologist. I really started realizing I can do all the reps and all the sets and all the push-ups and all the lifts and all the sparring and all the sessions. I can do all the physical stuff, but if I’m not building up the mind, I’m really just making a bigger, faster, stronger more dangerous subpar version of the man that I’m supposed to be if I don’t start doing the work inside my mind,” Chandler added.

Chandler enters his UFC 303 main event fight as a -108 pick’em against Conor McGregor who is -112.

Conor McGregor backed as ‘Super sharp’ ahead of return fight at UFC 303: ‘I’d be surprised if we see two rounds’

Conor McGregor backed as super slick ahead of UFC 303 fight I would be surprised if we saw two roundsFinally set to make his long-anticipated return to action at UFC 303 at the end of June, former two-division…

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

Finally set to make his long-anticipated return to action at UFC 303 at the end of June, former two-division champion, Conor McGregor has been described as “super slick” by his head coach, John Kavanagh, who claimed he would surprised if the Dubliner did not finish opponent, Michael Chandler before the second round.

McGregor, a former undisputed lightweight and featherweight champion under the banner of the promotion, is finally set to make his return to active competition for the first time in over three years, booking a headlining slot against Chandler at UFC 303 during International Fight Week at the end of June. 

Conor McGregor

Taking on Chandler, McGregor shared time with the former Bellator MMA titleholder during filming on The Ultimate Fighter 31 last year, with the duo serving as opposing coaches.

Conor McGregor
© Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

And set to begin training camp for his fight with the Kill Cliff FC standout, McGregor – who has set up a large training facility at his property in Straffen, recently underwent a random drug test – all while receiving a home-call haircut.

Conor McGregor described as “sharp” ahead of UFC 303 return

Set to roll back into Las Vegas for a blockbuster fight with Chandler this summer, McGregor’s head coach, Kavanagh, claimed his student was looking more than “sharp”, and sees similarities to how the bout could play out with the Crumlin striker’s 2015 knockout win over Chad Mendes.

Conor McGregor vows to quit drinking ahead of UFC 303 five more nights then that's that

“He’s come back on the mats as sharp as ever,” John Kavanagh told Andy Stevenson of Severe MMA regarding Conor McGregor. “Of course, we’ve got to get the rounds in and get the conditioning up so as to be ready for competition, but his technique is as sharp as ever.”

“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 do you think wins at UFC 303: Conor McGregor or Michael Chandler?

Conor McGregor vows to quit drinking ahead of UFC 303 return: ‘5 more nights on the delicious then that’s that’

Conor McGregor vows to quit drinking ahead of UFC 303 five more nights then that's thatOfficially booked to make his Octagon return this summer atop a UFC 303 card in June, former two-division champion,…

Conor McGregor vows to quit drinking ahead of UFC 303 five more nights then that's that

Officially booked to make his Octagon return this summer atop a UFC 303 card in June, former two-division champion, Conor McGregor has vowed to quit drinking in five days time – as he begins his training camp ahead of a clash with Michael Chandler during International Fight Week. 

McGregor, a former undisputed lightweight and featherweight titleholder under the banner of the promotion, is finally set to make his highly-anticipated return to the Octagon this summer in a grudge fight with rival, Chandler, with the pair headlining UFC 303 in a welterweight scrap.

Dana White confirms Conor McGregor targeted to headline UFC 303 that's what we wanna do

Sidelined for the prior three years, McGregor has been out of action since he fractured his left tibia and fibula in a first round doctor’s stoppage TKO loss to common-foe, Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in the duo’s trilogy rubber match.

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And without a victory since a 2020 knockout win over Donald Cerrone in his most recent welterweight outing, McGregor is tasked with preventing a three-fight skid as he takes on former lightweight title challenger, Chandler.

Conor McGregor vows to stop drinking ahead of UFC 303

Remaining supremely confident of stopping the Missouri native in his comeback to the Octagon, counter striking veteran, McGregor appeared to hint at an upcoming period of sobriety – vowing to quit drinking in five days time, ahead of his UFC 303 clash with Chandler.

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“My brother @justinbieber, the Mac has your back for life!” Conor McGregor posted on his official Instagram account. “From Beverly Hills to the Bahamas! See you in Vegas bro, it’s game on, the Mac is back! Five more nights on the delicious and then that be that see ya’s tonight. I’M NOT F*CKING LEAVING @properwhiskey @forgedirishstout @jennifersalke”

Training at his home gym base in Straffen earlier this week, McGregor was subject to a random drug test from new promotional partners, Drug Free Sport International – before praising last night’s win from Ryan Garcia against massive betting favorite, Devin Haney, urging the Californian to “drink responsibly every night” amid scrutiny over of his mental state.

Do you think Conor McGregor can defeat Michael Chandler at UFC 303?

Michael Chandler reveals his plans for Conor McGregor’s ‘hurt leg’ in their showdown at UFC 303

Michael Chandler reveals his plans for Conor McGregor's 'hurt leg' in their UFC 303 showdownWhen it comes to his long-awaited scrap with Conor McGregor, ‘Iron’ Michael Chandler is more focused on his strengths…

Michael Chandler reveals his plans for Conor McGregor's 'hurt leg' in their UFC 303 showdown

When it comes to his long-awaited scrap with Conor McGregor, ‘Iron’ Michael Chandler is more focused on his strengths than the Irishman’s weaknesses. Specifically, the busted leg McGregor suffered in his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier nearly three years ago.

On Saturday, June 29, Chandler and McGregor will finally step inside the Octagon, bringing an end to a build-up that dominated headlines for well over a year. It will be the former two-division titleholder’s first time competing since snapping his limb in the opening round against ‘The Diamond’ at UFC 264.

Conor McGregor

Coming back from an injury of that nature is no easy task — just ask Anderson Silva and Chris Weidman.

Anderson Silva and Chris Weidman

Fortunately, ‘Mystic Mac’ won’t have to worry about Michael Chandler intentionally targeting his surgically repaired tibia and fibula when they meet in ‘Sin City’ later this year.

“His ‘hurt leg’, if you would, going after it, it’s his back leg,” Chandler told The MMA Hour. “So me focusing on anything other than just being me and focusing on my strengths, which is always punches in bunches. Big punches, punches to the head, punches to the body, pick them up, put them down, kind of in your face, foot on the gas type of Michael Chandler style.

“It would be silly for me to think about anything more than that. Any time you can mess up a guy’s foundations, it’s good for you. Changes their movement, messes up the power in their punches, but I don’t see myself throwing a lot of leg kicks in this fight. So, haven’t really thought about it that much.”

Michael Chandler predicts an early night for Conor McGregor at UFC 303

As for how Chandler sees things playing out against Conor McGregor, the former Bellator MMA champion plans to make the Irishman feel as uncomfortable as possible in the first round before putting him away in the second stanza.

“My ‘Mystic Mike’ prediction is I finish him in the second round,” Chandler said on Instagram. “Get him on his heels in the first round, make him second-guess himself in the first round, make him realize, ‘Dang, I probably should have just stayed rich and stayed out of the fight game.’

And I will start planting those seeds of doubts in the first round. By the end of the first round he will go back to his bench and go back to his corner huffing and puffing and realize that he’s about to meet his demise.”

Last competing in November 2022, Chandler carries a 2-3 record under the UFC banner, sporting wins over Dan Hooker and Tony Ferguson while facing a handful of losses against some of the lightweight division’s top dogs — Charles Oliveira, Justin Gaethje, and Dustin Poirier.

While it’s been nearly two years since Chandler’s last victory, McGregor will be seeking his first W since a 40-second shellacking of Donald ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone at UFC 246 all the way back in 2020.

Conor McGregor