Michael Chandler’s Fight Prediction
Following the announcement of McGregor vs Chandler for UFC 303 in the post-fight press conference for 300 Chandler has entered promotion mode. Chandler during a live Q&A on Instagram predicted, “My Mystic Mike Prediction is I finish him in the second round”. This bold statement is an early ripple in the soon-to-come tidal wave promotion for the MAC’s return.
Mike’s confident prediction is not without cause Chandler is a dangerous fight for most of the 155 division. The man is a ball of explosive muscle with the power to shut your lights out. So, McGregor fighting Chandler in his optimum state would be a challenge but Conor is not in his optimum state. Conor is coming off essentially a 3 year lay off having broken his leg in his last fight not ideal circumstances. To top this off during his time off there have been concerning videos of McGregor suggesting extra-curricular activities unbecoming of an athlete. So, Chandler scoring a 2nd round KO of McGregor is a reasonable prediction.
However, like everything in this sport Chandler’s success isn’t guaranteed. Despite Conor’s best years being behind him he can still be a threat. Most recently McGregor has had back-to-back defeats against Dustin Poirier but he didn’t look awful. In their rematch, Conor had success in round 1 catching Dustin with that famous left straight multiple times stunning Dustin. But, Dustins utilisation of leg kicks and boxing prowess proved too much for Conor in the 2nd round. In the trilogy once again Conor was having some success landing some shots as well as implementing his kicks but unfortunately was injured. So if Conor comes back at the level he fought Poirier in the rematch he could spell trouble for Chandler.
Gameplan Elaboration
Chandler in this Q&A also revealed some of his gameplan elaborating on his prediction. Iron Mike predicted he will, “Get him on his heels in the first round, make him second guess himself”. This sounds like a typical Chandler game plan usually going all out in round 1 throwing everything but the kitchen sink. But, this could have more strategy involved as McGregor is infamous for his gas tank. This fight is scheduled for 5 rounds and if Chandler can get Conor to gas it could be easy work. And pressuring an older inactive McGregor could be the way to go to score a KO by catching him cold.
But this could also backfire on Chandler. McGregor despite being past his best still has counterstriking and power. So, if Chandler is pressuring Conor winging wild shots opens him up to McGregor’s counters which could put him away. And given Chandler has been in plenty of wars his chin will not be what it once was making him more vulnerable to a KO. McGregor has also essentially beaten a better 145 version of Michael Chandler in Chad Mendes by TKO in round 2. But, Conor is not the man he once was so may not be sharp enough to pull off a similar kind of victory.
As we edge closer to Michael Chandler vs Conor McGregor expect more trash talk from both fighters for the Notorious One’s return.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
