Fourth-ranked Ultimate Fighting Championship lightweight Michael Chandler is a fan of Conor McGregor’s promotional style. Even if it rubs a lot of fans and media the wrong way.
While answering questions during an Instagram Live stream (which was then reposted by TheMacLife), the 35-year-old gave his thoughts on the former two-division champion. Explaining how he understands the heat McGregor has received from fans and media over the years for how he promotes his fights. However, he has a deep admiration for the Irishman’s skills in building interest, and he still hopes to step into the Octagon with the man he considers the “king” and “master” of personal fight promotion.
“I still think Conor is one of the top guys in the division. He’s getting a hard time right now because of his antics, and because he is so loud and proud he falls hard. But heavy is the crown, the guys the king of promotion. He’s the king of getting people interested. Everybody’s interested in watching him fight. That fall from grace is really tough,” Chandler said in the video.
“But as he comes back, as he gets healthy; he’s already coming back from the ACL injury, he’s already come back from broken feet and all kinds of stuff. At the risk of sounding like a fan, I do think what the guy does [is] intriguing, at all times. The way he trains, the way he fights, the way he brings about fight week, the way he brings about attention. The way he captures yours, and mine, and everybody’s attention. He’s a master at it. I would love to fight him when he comes back, but we’ll see.”
Chandler, whose last bout was a May defeat to Charles Oliveira in their UFC 262 scrap for the vacant lightweight title, feels there are two keys in who “Notorious” chooses for his next opponent. Relevancy, and if the fight is winnable.
“He’s definitely going to need a fight that’s gonna kind of keep him relevant, but also a fight he thinks he can win.”
“Iron Mike” is certainly relevant as a former Bellator lightweight champion and top-five 155-pounder in the UFC. However, if McGregor considers him a winnable fight will be revealed if the booking were made in 2022.
Who do you think would win a Michael Chandler versus Conor McGregor matchup?