Michael Chandler not holding breath on fighting Conor McGregor in 2023
UFC lightweight contender Michael Chandler says he is not holding his breath on fighting superstar Conor McGregor in 2023.
Chandler and McGregor just finished up coaching the 31st season of “The Ultimate Fighter” and the original plan was for the pair to fight this fall or winter. However, McGregor has not been placed in the USADA testing pool yet, meaning that it is unlikely this fight will happen before the end of the year. While McGregor recently suggested this fight could happen before 2023 is over, Chandler said he isn’t holding his breath on that.
“It’s happening in December? I’m not holding my breath. But, you know I’m ready,” Chandler told the “DC & RC” podcast (via MMAjunkie.com).
According to Chandler, he has several questions about McGregor and his ability to actually fight anytime soon. The former Bellator champion questioned if McGregor is actually training right now, because if he isn’t, then it would be hard to be ready for a fight by the end of the year, which is why Chandler is prepared to fight him in 2024.
“Is he training? I don’t know how much he’s training. We see him on boats more than we see him hitting bags. For me, you know I’m ready. You now I’m always staying in shape. I am 37 now so I’m trying to keep my diet a little bit more dialed in so I can stay a little bit more ripped, look like a professional athlete,” Chandler said. “You know (that) I’m ready tomorrow, but if it could happen by the end of the year, that would be phenomenal. But if it spills over into 2024, either way, the most exciting guy in the sport, myself, vs. the biggest star in the sport, and the greatest comeback in combat sports history, people are going to tune in and we’re going to put butts on seats.”
Do you think Michael Chandler and Conor McGregor will fight before the end of 2023?
