Anthony Smith believes that Michael Chandler beats Conor McGregor nine times out of ten but only if he doesn’t try to please the crowd.
Smith expressed that Chandler’s eagerness to satisfy the public demand for outright violence could well be his downfall in an anticipated matchup with the Irishman.
Anthony Smith on Michael Chandler
Speaking on the Believe You Me podcast with Michael Bisping, Smith stated, “If Chandler goes in and he uses his wrestling. Mixes it up, and makes it a mixed martial arts fight. Doesn’t go in to please the crowd. I think that’s a fight that he wins most of the time. The problem is, he won’t do that. He’ll pretend like he’s going to, for a second but he cannot ignore the crowd. He cannot, not entertain.” Smith continued, “If he worried more about his ‘W’ and less about what the crowd thinks about it, and trying to be the most exciting man on the planet. Michael Chandler beats Conor nine times out of ten.” – Quotes are to be credited to combatsportsuk.co.uk. Transcribed from the Believe You Me podcast.
‘Lionheart’ was making reference to Chandler’s exciting, yet sometimes reckless style. We have seen Chandler go toe-to-toe with the calibre of Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje and former champ Charles Oliveira, only to fall short. It is undoubtable true that Michael Chandler is building a legacy as being one of the most entertaining fighters in the UFC.
Michael Chandler and the UFC To-Date
Since his arrival in the UFC, Michael Chandler is yet to have a dull fight.
He announced his arrival with a devastating knockout of Dan Hooker. He was then stopped by Charles Oliveira in a bout which saw him floor Oliveira, before eventually suffering the same fate. Next up, a fifteen minute slugfest against Justin Gaethje. The fact that this fight even made it to the final bell was a testament to both. Again, it was an all out, colosseum type war. It was Gaethje who had his hand raised on that occasion.
Chandler returned against Tony Ferguson. ‘Iron’ Mike was dropped heavy in the first round but rallied back. He delivered a brutal front kick to Ferguson’s face which saw Tony, knocked out cold for the first time in his career. The last time we saw Chandler, he was once more in a fight for the ages against Dustin Poirier. The ‘Diamond’ and ‘Iron’ Mike went toe-to-toe as expected. Bombs were landed throughout. That was, until Poirier was able to capitalise and submit Chandler in the third round.
Conor McGregor 2023? 2024?
Michael Chandler has been out of action since his fight with Poirier back in November 2022. Chandler signed up to be one of the coaches of ‘The Ultimate Fighter’ (TUF) with McGregor agreeing to be the opposing coach.
However, the ‘Will he? Won’t he?’ fiasco has continued to drag on. The end appeared to be in sight, as McGregor announced that he would be returning in December against Chandler but one week on from that claim, McGregor appears to have backtracked.
Speaking on his twitter account, McGregor said, “I hold the power. I’m going to keep doing my thing. I’m in a great spot and I’ll see you’s all soon. F**king early next year, hopefully. Please God. Someone, Ari, Ari. My man. I’m ready yeah, December 16, I am ready. Nevada State Athletic Commission, Bob Bennett may have retired. Un-retire. Because when I’m around the game… ring Bob Bennett. Tell the commission what’s the story, because I’m being kept from my livelihood here. Turns out Bob’s retired and I’m like, ‘What the f**k?’ I’ve been on the top of the game f**king long.” – Quote to be credited to bjpenn.com.
No Special Treatment
It appears as though McGregor is facing difficulties in being sanctioned to fight by the Las Vegas commissioning body. Conor is yet to re-enter the USADA anti-doping pool. It has been repeatedly expressed that, in order for McGregor to re-enter competition, he must complete six months of testing prior to his return.
McGregor had hoped for an exception due to his circumstances and his star power but it appears that his wishes are no closer to being granted. The Irishman has been side-lined since his horrific leg break against Dustin Poirier and once more, it seems we are no closer to his return to the octagon.
What are your opinions on McGregor’s return? Is he still the draw he once was? Do you believe Anthony Smith has a point? Let us know in the comments section below.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
