Former UFC champion Conor McGregor is set to fight lightweight Michael Chandler, as the Irishman returns to the Octagon after a two year absence. UFC President Dana White announced on social media that the exact date and venue for the fight will be provided in the coming weeks.
McGregor last fought on July 10th, 2021 in a rematch with Dustin Porier who ended up breaking his leg in the bout. Now 34, McGregor will have much to prove in his return, winning only one of his last four fights. He beat Donald Cerrone in a first-round knockout in 2020 but lost to Khabib Nurmagomedov by submission prior to that fight, and to Poirier in his next matchup.
Chandler has a professional MMA career record of 23-8 and has won three Bellator lightweight championships. He moved to the more lucrative UFC in 2021 but has only won two of his 5 fights under the banner. His losses came at the hands of Poirier, Justin Gaethje and Charles Oliveira and his wins were in bouts with Tony Ferguson and Dan Hooker.
With both fighters well past their prime, McGregor at 34 and Chandler at 36, the battle will likely not lead to any title shots. While Chandler is a great wrestler he doesn’t shy away from the stand-up game which McGregor is known for.
McGregor will likely not want to get into a straight up slugfest, as Chandler has proven he can land heavy blows, winning the Knockout of the Year in 2022 against Ferguson and coming ever so close to stopping Charles Oliveira to win the Lightweight title.
Whether Chandler wins or loses, this will be a huge turning point in his career and should bring the most media attention that he has ever received. Both fighters will be looking to get back into the running for a title shot against lightweight champ Jamahal Hill. For McGregor especially, a win over Chandler would be his best victory since all the way back in 2016 when he stopped Eddie Alvarez to take home the lightweight title.
Betting on McGregor vs. Chandler
If you’re planning on betting on the McGregor/Chandler fight, make sure you go through our picks for the best UFC betting sites. The list provides the top online sportsbooks available in the legalized market at the moment.
