This 12 months’s version of The Final Fighter is nearing its conclusion. However whereas that always signifies an approaching collision between the 2 coaches, a heavy cloud of uncertainty stays over Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler.
McGregor, a former two-division UFC champion, had his return to competitors from a devastating leg break in 2021 confirmed earlier this 12 months. Per the preliminary plan, the Irishman was anticipated to throw down with Chandler this fall following TUF 31.
However with ongoing confusion surrounding his USADA standing and the UFC’s willingness to grant an exemption from the six-month testing pool timeframe, there’s little data on whether or not or not the Dublin native will make the stroll by the top of the 12 months and even in any respect.
Now, that degree of variability seems to additionally exist as regards to an opponent.
Regardless of Chandler being introduced as McGregor’s subsequent rival and finishing a whole TUF season as an opposition coach, the “Infamous” star has been hinting at totally different plans.
In his most up-to-date assertion, the previous ‘champ-champ’ even claimed that the UFC is trying to transfer on from a possible bout with Chandler. In response, the ex-Bellator kingpin has repeatedly branded McGregor a liar and insisted that nothing has modified.
However Chandler has now been instructed to make use of a special technique to make sure that he would not miss out on the poster spot for McGregor’s comeback.
Askren Tells Chandler To Be ‘Dismissive’ Of McGregor
Throughout a current episode of Funky and The Champ, former UFC fighters Ben Askren and Daniel Cormier assessed the most recent in McGregor’s return saga, and the place it leaves Chandler.
After suggesting {that a} date within the cage with the Irishman is wanting an increasing number of unlikely, Askren suggested Chandler to modify up his strategy in terms of responding to McGregor’s claims.
“It is not wanting good. If I used to be Michael, this is what my recommendation could be,” Askren mentioned. “I’d simply begin being dismissive. Anytime anyone asks me, simply be like, ‘I am gonna battle anyone else as a result of that man would not battle anymore. I wasted my time. He obtained me, he tricked me. He made me really feel like he was an actual fighter, he is not.. Now I am gonna transfer on, ‘trigger that man will not even pee in a cup.’ It is his best option. That is what I needed to do with Jorge (Masvidal).”
It stays to be seen what the long run holds for McGregor vs. Chandler, however with TUF 31 quickly coming to an in depth, many count on an announcement relating to the battle’s standing to be imminent.
Ought to that come within the type of a USADA exemption and pay-per-view headliner in December, the UFC will little question come below heavy scrutiny for its strategy to McGregor’s return to competitors given the steroid accusations persistently flying round.
This dude… I bear in mind when his phrases held an immense quantity of weight. Simply inform the reality. https://t.co/PGx26gUe72
— Michael Chandler (@MikeChandlerMMA) August 8, 2023
Learn Additionally: Michael Chandler Speaks Out About Conor McGregor Angling To Struggle Justin Gaethje As a substitute Of Him
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