UFC lightweight Michael Chandler knows that the stakes are high for his upcoming-but-unconfirmed bout with Conor McGregor. Chandler, who is coaching opposite McGregor on this season of The Ultimate Fighter, told MMAFighting that he’s expecting to see
“Motivated Conor” because the fight is a “must-win” for both of them.
“I do think it’s a must-win for both of us. I need to continue to stamp my name as one of the best lightweights in the world. Yes, I’m 2-3 fighting the best guys in the world, in the weight class.
Michael Chandler Preparing For “Motivated Conor” In UFC Return
I came in, nobody’s had a stronger strength of schedule right away when they came into the UFC than I have, and that’s what I asked for. That’s what I wanted. That’s what I believe Conor saw in me.
He needs a big dance partner to have the biggest fight possible, the biggest stage possible. This is a must-win for both of us.
I have to go out there and beat Conor to continue to legitimize myself as a guy who should be in the UFC Hall of Fame, as a guy who can still go and fight for the UFC title in 2024.
I am the guy who has to be on the biggest, brightest stage and perform to the best of my ability. That’s what I have to do.” Chandler also explained why, in his opinion, fans will at long last see a return of “Motivated Conor.”
“The fact that Conor is taking this fight against me, a very dangerous opponent, a guy that doesn’t match up that well against him in a lot of people’s eyes, he wants to fight me.
He’s the guy who said yes to fighting me. That right there is indicative of a guy who just is a competitor. The guy who wants to be thrown into the deep waters. The guy who wants to step into the lion’s den.
He could have taken a ‘tune-up’ fight, as we call it in this industry. There are a lot of opponents who match up a lot better than me for him, yet he’s going to fight me, one of the most dangerous guys in the division.
Ultimately a motivated Conor is what we’re going to see, I believe. I’m expecting the best Conor we’ve ever seen, because [this is] going to bring it out of him.”
No date has yet been set for the fight, and McGregor is reportedly still not in the UFC’s USADA testing pool.
