With the new season of The Ultimate Fighter airing now, we’ll be seeing plenty of build-up to the eventual clash between coaches Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler. In an interview promoting the series, McGregor was sure to declare his comeback underway, and point out the flaws in Michael Chandler’s game.
“Not only just a return. The greatest return in combat sports.This is going to be [that]. I’m going to kick this guy in the head. He’s just tailor-made for being kicked all over the place, and that’s what I’m aiming for.
UFC: Conor McGregor Calls Michael Chandler “Tailor Made” For Getting Kicked In The Head
I am aiming to wrap this steel bar around the opponent. And you’re going to see a visual of the leg hanging off [at UFC 264] and then you’re going to see a visual off a head hanging off. So I’m excited for that and motivated for that, and steady making my way towards it.”
There’s no official timeline for McGregor’s long-awaited return – almost two years in the making – but he was careful to point out the successes of his next opponent.
“He’s put on some exciting fights. He’s eager. He’s willing to fight. He’s a gamer, you’d call him. And he’s not a bad fighter either, so I’m happy with the opponent.
I don’t actually care. I accepted this show, it was me and Chandler, so again it doesn’t bother me. What do I hope for in this world? I hope for 100 more fights. I hope for consistency. I hope for a run. I’ve had this on, off, on, off for the last while and I just want to get this nice consistency going. And I’m now, when I come back, this is where it’s at.”
Conor McGregor made history in 2016 when he claimed his second simultaneous UFC title, dispatching lightweight champ Eddie Alvarez in the finest performance of his career. He has fought only four times since, losing all but one of the fights. Consistency, says the Irish superstar, will be key moving forward.
“One [fight per year] is not [enough]. I need [more]. I want four — three or four. If I can get where I need to get to, three or four a year is perfect. One is madness. And it’s been one, one, one on, one year off, one on, one year off, and then obviously with the leg thing it’s been a bit longer.”
McGregor, now 34 years of age, could be forgiven for eyeing retirement. Far from it, says the former two-division champ. “We’re not done yet. We’re not done yet, so by the time it’s done, I feel I’ll have a full circle and I’ll be where I want to be.”
