In the world of mixed martial arts, Conor McGregor, also known as ‘The Notorious,’ is preparing for a highly anticipated return to the octagon. The Irish fighter is set to face Michael Chandler in a welterweight bout at UFC 303, which will take place on June 29 during International Fight Week. This marks McGregor’s first fight since his loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264.
McGregor’s former sparring partner and ex-PFL world champion, Brendan Loughnane, has expressed confidence in McGregor’s ability to secure a victory against Chandler. Having trained with McGregor for six weeks in Dubai in 2023, Loughnane shared his thoughts with Mirror Fighting. “I think he is going to knock the f*ck out of Michael Chandler, just overwhelms and batters him. I think he is too sharp and well-rounded,” he stated.
Loughnane also highlighted McGregor’s fighting style as a potential problem for Chandler, saying, “Chandler is going to come for a brawl, but Conor is too experienced on the outside. I think he will catch him on the way in and then it’s see you later.” McGregor’s record stands at 22-6, with notable victories over fighters such as Jose Aldo, Nate Diaz, and Eddie Alvarez. Although his last win was over four years ago against Donald Cerrone at UFC 246, his prowess in the sport is still well regarded.
On the other hand, Michael Chandler, with a record of 23-8, has remained more active in the ring than McGregor. Despite suffering a loss at UFC 281 in November 2022, Chandler is a former three-time lightweight champion in Bellator. Both fighters have had a mix of outcomes in their recent matches, each holding a record of 2-3 in their last five fights.
As the fight between McGregor and Chandler approaches, betting odds are reflecting the close nature of the matchup. DraftKings Sportsbook lists McGregor as a slight favorite at -120, with Chandler not far behind as a +100 underdog. A $100 bet on McGregor would return $183.33, while the same bet on Chandler could yield a $200 payout if he emerges victorious. These odds underscore the competitive edge and unpredictability that this fight brings to the UFC scene.
