UFC stars Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler are set to collide on June 29 in a highly anticipated matchup that has been building for months. Despite being opposing coaches on "The Ultimate Fighter," the fight seemed uncertain until recently.
In less than two months, the Octagon at UFC 303 will witness a clash of epic proportions as Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler square off. The much-awaited matchup has been in the works for months, with both fighters eagerly anticipating their showdown.
The buildup to this encounter began during the most recent season of "The Ultimate Fighter," where McGregor and Chandler served as opposing coaches. However, it was only after Season 31 concluded that the possibility of a fight between the two appeared more tangible.
McGregor, known for his unparalleled charisma and fan base, has been sidelined for nearly three years following an injury sustained during his last bout against Dustin Poirier in July 2021. Despite his extended absence, the Irishman remains a formidable force in the sport.
Chandler, on the other hand, is a former Bellator lightweight champion with an impressive resume. He also suffered a setback in his last fight against Poirier at UFC 281 in November 2022.
Despite the frustrations of waiting for official confirmation of the fight, Chandler never lost sight of his goal to face McGregor. He also revealed that the UFC never offered him an alternative, which reinforced his belief that the matchup would eventually materialize.
Both McGregor and Chandler are scheduled to enter the cage at UFC 303 after the longest gaps between fights in their respective careers. However, Chandler believes that the extended time off has had some positive aspects.
"I got to spend more time with my family than I ever have," Chandler said via The New York Post. "I did a lot of business stuff outside of fighting, raised money for charity, philanthropy. I was busy. I kept busy."
Chandler exudes confidence in his ability to defeat McGregor soundly and extinguish the Irishman's desire to continue fighting. "I truly believe what I’m going to do to him on June 29 is going to warrant and merit him never stepping back into the octagon," proclaims Chandler with conviction.
McGregor, nicknamed "The Notorious," will undoubtedly bring his signature swagger and unwavering determination to the Octagon. The Irishman has repeatedly expressed his eagerness to silence Chandler's bold predictions and prove that he remains a dominant force in the UFC.
As the date of the fight approaches, the anticipation and hype surrounding the McGregor-Chandler showdown continues to grow. Fans around the world will be glued to their screens, eager to witness the outcome of this pivotal matchup.
