Michael Chandler talks 'collision course' with Conor McGregor in next fight

Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler are on a “collision course” in the UFC octagon, as the latter put it on ESPN’s First Take.

The two fighters were pitted against each other in the latest season of The Ultimate Fighter with a fight between the two to cap it all off later this year. However, the fight has yet to be signed, sealed and delivered a date.

Chandler talked about the buildup to what should be an epic fight, which was years in the making.

“I think you know, Conor and I have been on a collision course for years now,” Chandler said. “Obviously getting the opportunity to be on ESPN every single week for 12 weeks straight. People are starting to see the rivalry, starting to see, you know, a little bit of animosity here and there, the tension. We’re both fierce competitors, both have a huge amount of respect for each other.

“I love what Conor has done. I love the career that he has created, the legacy that he will leave. But I’m also excited to compete against him later on this year.”

Chandler even commented on McGregor punching the Miami Heat mascot at the NBA Finals.

“Well first of all, obviously it hit the news wire and then it also within it also the reports came out that the mascot went to the ER,” Chandler said. “But also if you see, he sprained his TIDL spray, you know so he was obviously there promoting his recovery spray. He’s always dressed to the nines, typical Conor … Obviously, he was there promoting his product. So he’s a master salesman, the master promoter and he’s doing a pretty darn good job at it.”

But as far as host Molly Qerim quipping by asking if McGregor would do that to Chandler, the former All-American wrestler from Missouri had a simple answer.

“I’m gonna do that exact same thing to him and then have some TIDL after,” Chandler said. “It would be the opposite direction, with the right hand. So I’ll hit him with the right hand first, maybe follow up with a left hook. We’ll see.”

This should be some fight, since McGregor promised the “greatest comeback” in combat sports.

Chandler is 23-8 overall in his MMA career and is the former Bellator Lightweight Champion. He is 2-3 in his UFC career since joining the promotion in 2021, including a title fight loss to Charles Oliveira.