The UFC fanbase were taken by surprise when Conor McGregor, the former two-division UFC champion, announced his return to the octagon on June 29 against Michael Chandler, but with an unexpected twist. The bout would be contested at middleweight. This decision has sparked discussions across the MMA community, with UFC commentator Jon Anik adding his perspective to the mix.
McGregor has a storied UFC career that began at featherweight, later moving up to lightweight, and even exploring welterweight. His opponent, Michael Chandler, has primarily fought at 155 pounds during his UFC tenure but ventured into welterweight during his Bellator days.
Jon Anik, offering his insights on MMA Junkie Radio, expressed his hope that the fight won’t take place at middleweight. He highlighted the potential logical explanation being McGregor’s recovery from a leg injury suffered against Dustin Poirier in July 2021.
Jon Anik Weighs In on Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler
“I pray that’s our reality (that it doesn’t happen at middleweight),” Anik stated. He suggested eliminating the weight class from the pay-per-view open and focusing on the return of Conor McGregor. The only conceivable reason for the fight occurring at middleweight, according to Anik, is McGregor’s leg condition. If McGregor and the UFC opt for a higher weight class, it could be a strategic decision to ensure his leg is as strong as possible for the comeback.
While McGregor is currently unranked in any weight class due to his extended hiatus, Chandler holds the 12th spot in the latest lightweight rankings. Anik acknowledges that for McGregor to make an impact on a weight class, the fight would need to take place there. However, he remains skeptical of this scenario.
Anik predicts that the fighters will likely weigh in for a welterweight contest, downplaying the significance of the result at middleweight or even welterweight. He emphasizes the desire to see McGregor compete more at 155 pounds, the lightweight division, where McGregor holds only one career win against Eddie Alvarez.
Competing at Lightweight
“I have long sort of wished that Conor McGregor would compete more at 155 pounds,” Anik stated. “But this fight with Michael Chandler is not going to be at 155 pounds.”
Jon Anik maintains his stance that the fight should ideally take place at welterweight, providing both fighters with a fair challenge. The prospect of McGregor’s return is undoubtedly monumental, regardless of the weight class, and fans eagerly await the unfolding developments leading up to the International Fight Week headliner at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
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Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
