Michael Chandler Expects Conor McGregor’s Trash Talk & Reveals Pick for Alex Volkanovski vs Islam Makhachev

‘Iron’ Mike is planning to dispatch the ‘Notorious’ in the second round and sees ‘The Great’ enduring the tough challenge of Makhachev

Michael Chandler, Alex Volkanovski, Conor McGregor, Islam Makhachev
Credit: Michael Chandler, Alex Volkanovski (via Instagram)

Michael Chandler shared his plans to combat the trash talk of Conor McGregor and revealed his pick for the upcoming battle between Alex Volkanovski and Islam Makhachev.

Top-ranked UFC lightweight contender Chandler was last seen in action against Louisiana brawler Dustin Poirier at UFC 281 last November. He started off strong but eventually succumbed to the technical prowess of Poirier in the third round. Following the result, he was waiting on the sidelines for his next opportunity when he got confirmed to compete against Conor McGregor as a coach in the upcoming season of The Ultimate Fighter.

Michael Chandler is expecting trash talk from Conor McGregor

In a recent appearance on ESPN’s SportsCenter, Michael Chandler shared his thoughts on the anticipated battle of words with the ‘Notorious.’

“It’s a challenge that I am excited and willfully throwing myself into,” said Chandler. “I have visualized it. I have thought about it. We loved Conor because he’s interesting and interested. Rest assured, he’s doing his homework on me… he knows what the chinks in my armor are, he knows where I might have doubts or insecurities. He knows all of these things. He loves to do his homework on opponents and well up old emotions and make them brand new to make you trip over yourself live on TV. I’m expecting that. He’s a witty guy with a wicked tongue.

“He’s got the gift of gab but I’m really excited to fight fire with fire in that regard. I’m excited for the tension, the competition, and the linguistic battles we’re going to get into.”

Chandler favors Alex Volkanovski over Islam Makhachev

‘Iron’ Mike backed reigning featherweight champion Alex Volkanovski to potentially defeat the lightweight champion Islam Makhachev this Saturday at UFC 284.

“I feel like every time I answer it, I change my tune… if I was a betting man, I’d give a slight favorite to Volkanovski’s versatility, Swiss army knife of MMA capabilities. His cardio and most importantly his fight IQ. I think he can withstand the takedowns of Islam. Even if he does get taken down, he’s a bear to hold down. He’s going to use the cage wall, he’s going to get up and then he’s going to start putting a beating on Islam. If I had to give a slight edge, it’s Volkanovski and when I say slight, it is slight.”

After wrapping up his coaching duties on TUF, Chandler will fight McGregor inside the octagon later this year.

Published on February 8, 2023 at 5:49 pm
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