In a thrilling turn of events, Michael Chandler has emerged victorious in what can only be described as the Conor McGregor sweepstakes. The highly anticipated Ultimate Fighter 31 (TUF) is just around the corner, scheduled to premiere on the ESPN network next week, specifically on Tuesday, May 30, 2023. This season of TUF features a talented pool of eight Lightweights and eight Bantamweights, all vying for a coveted spot on the prestigious Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) roster. Adding to the excitement, Chandler and McGregor will serve as the coaches, engaging in a fierce showdown inside the Octagon at a later date, yet to be determined.
The imminent matchup between Chandler and McGregor has sent shockwaves throughout the combat sports world, capturing the attention of fans and experts alike. Notably, Eddie Alvarez, a former rival of both fighters, has weighed in on the situation. Alvarez, speaking to ESPN, commended Chandler’s exceptional athletic abilities but advised him to adopt a smarter fighting strategy than what he has employed in his previous five UFC bouts. “Mike Chandler is a phenomenal athlete,” Alvarez stated. “However, I believe that stylistically, the approach he has taken in his fights so far is not the most effective against Conor McGregor. If I were his coach, I would strongly urge him to alter his style, focusing on single-leg takedowns and shots, thereby forcing Conor to engage in wrestling early on.”
Alvarez elaborated, emphasizing the importance of pressuring McGregor to grapple in the initial stages of the fight. By doing so, Chandler could neutralize McGregor’s potent tools, such as his agility, range, and striking prowess. “When you wrestle him early, you strip away his quick feet, his exceptional range, and his remarkable striking abilities,” Alvarez explained. “By wearing him down through early wrestling exchanges, targeting his shoulders and legs, you can significantly slow him down. In that fatigued state, he becomes a much less formidable striker compared to his fully energized self.”
The rivalry between Chandler and Alvarez dates back to their thrilling clashes under the Bellator banner in 2011 and 2013, which are widely regarded as legendary encounters. Their first meeting, in particular, served as Chandler’s breakthrough moment, as he scored a stunning upset victory over Alvarez via a fourth-round rear-naked choke submission. This triumph marked the conclusion of Chandler’s impressive run in the Bellator Lightweight tournament, and it also handed Alvarez his first defeat in the promotion. Alvarez, however, avenged the loss in their rematch, edging out Chandler via a split decision before eventually making his way to the UFC. During his prime in the UFC, Alvarez secured the coveted UFC gold before succumbing to a second-round technical knockout by a formidable McGregor during the historic first-ever event at Madison Square Garden in New York. It’s worth noting that McGregor has been absent from the Octagon since suffering a leg injury in his trilogy bout against Dustin Poirier in July 2021 (Watch Highlights), adding further intrigue to the impending fight.
Alvarez shared his thoughts on the anticipated matchup, acknowledging that McGregor will not be the same fighter he was during his dominant victories over Jose Aldo, Nate Diaz, and Alvarez himself. McGregor was highly active during that period, competing three to four times a year. “Naturally, we shouldn’t expect him to be the exact same fighter who was passionately pursuing world titles,” Alvarez commented. However, Alvarez anticipates witnessing a resurgence of energy, enthusiasm, and gratitude towards the sport of MMA from McGregor. “I believe we will see a revitalized Conor McGregor, full of energy and excitement, ready to embrace and appreciate the world of MMA once again,” Alvarez concluded, underscoring the potential for an exhilarating showdown between the two.
