Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler Clash Sparks Talk Of UFC Title Creation

In a recent statement, Michael Chandler hinted at the potential creation of a new UFC title when Conor McGregor returns to the Octagon to fight him. Dana White, following UFC 300, officially confirmed McGregor’s bout against Chandler for UFC 303’s International Fight Week card, set for June 29. This marks McGregor’s first fight since his defeat to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021.

Chandler is also coming off a loss to Poirier and has been inactive since November 2022 as the McGregor fight faced multiple delays for various reasons.

Michael Chandler Explains New Title And Potential Weight Class Change

Chandler Believes His Fight With McGregor Could Open 165 Division

Chandler, present in Las Vegas for UFC 300, discussed his upcoming match against the ‘Notorious’ and suggested the UFC might introduce a new belt for their UFC 303 clash. The 37-year-old disclosed that he and McGregor could fight for the promotion’s inaugural 165lbs title (light-welterweight), an idea that has been floated around for many years from fighters.

“That was one of the rumors as well, the 165 belt, obviously, that has not happened. Even me in this position, man, I would not be surprised if that bout agreement comes over and it says for the 165 title.”

Chandler further elaborated on the UFC’s tendency to keep details under wraps, mentioning McGregor’s habit of breaking announcements prematurely. “Even to us, right? I mean, you saw Conor broke the announcement again before the UFC did it. I’m sure the UFC said, ‘Hey, don’t do it because we’re gonna do it at the post-fight press conference.'”

The American fighter emphasized his preparedness for the bout, expressing flexibility regarding the weight class. If the McGregor vs. Chandler showdown doesn’t materialize at 165lbs, it will be contested at 170lbs, a division Chandler finds suitable due to the challenges of cutting weight at 155lbs.

“I think 170 is perfect,” Chandler remarked. “155 is not easy to make. So, fighting at 170 is gonna be kind of a perfect camp, honestly. I weigh about 190. Getting down to 170 is kind of gonna be easy compared to 155, obviously.”

Chandler assured fans that despite the weight class adjustment, his training regimen and performance would remain top-notch. “I think I’ll compete phenomenally there. I’m still gonna do the exact same camp. I’m still gonna get my weight similar to where I would be at 155, I just won’t dehydrate myself at the end.”

The prospect of a potential new UFC title adds an intriguing dimension to an already highly anticipated matchup between Chandler and McGregor.

Chandler Confident of Decisive Victory Over McGregor

The UFC Star Anticipates Career-Defining Moment

Michael Chandler, eagerly awaiting his long-awaited showdown with Conor McGregor, has boldly predicted a decisive finish in their upcoming welterweight clash. The anticipation for this bout has been brewing since Chandler agreed to coach on ‘The Ultimate Fighter,’ and he has not hesitated to share his expectations for the encounter with the former two-division UFC champion.

In a recent appearance on The Shawn Ryan Show, Chandler expressed his conviction that defeating McGregor would mark the pinnacle of his career. “I will absolutely break this man and the whole world is going to get to see it. It’s going to be the best moment of my professional life,” Chandler declared confidently.

Asserting his superiority as a mixed martial artist, Chandler emphasized, “I am the better fighter, I am the tougher fighter, and I’m the guy who deserves it more.” With unwavering determination, he outlined his strategy for the fight, envisioning a scenario where McGregor succumbs to his relentless pressure. “I believe we suck the oxygen out of the octagon, he looks for the exit sign somewhere in the second round, and I usher him toward the door.”

Chandler’s bold proclamation sets the stage for what promises to be a thrilling and high-stakes encounter between two formidable competitors coming off a long layoff.