Conor McGregor will return to save career’s legacy, claims Michael Chandler: “I fooled everybody…”

Top UFC lightweight Michael Chandler believes he still has the opportunity to face Conor McGregor despite wasting two years of his life.

Conor McGregor will return to save career’s legacy, claims Michael Chandler: “I fooled everybody…”

Michael Chandler is hopeful about fighting Conor McGregor (via Imago)

Conor McGregor‘s UFC comeback has been in limbo for a long time. Last year at UFC 303, he was supposed to fight Michael Chandler, but the fight was cancelled. Given his lawsuit and other antics, many fans don’t think the ‘Notorious’ will ever return to fighting. However, that might not be entirely true. 

After wasting two years of his professional career waiting for McGregor, Chandler finally moved on and fought Charles Oliveira at UFC 310. Now, he is scheduled to take on Paddy Pimblett at UFC 314 but still believes he will potentially fight the ‘Notorious’. In a recent interview, the fighter expressed that McGregor might not want to leave UFC just like that. 

Does he want his legacy to be… My last fight, I broke my leg and I touted the greatest comeback in combat sports history. I fooled everybody for a couple of years and then signed on the dotted line to fight Michael Chandler and then pulled out of the fight, never to return again. I don’t think he wants his legacy to be that.

Michael Chandler via The Ariel Helwani Show 

Michael Chandler mentioned that McGregor owes his success and global stardom to UFC and will definitely make his way back. However, the former Bellator champion isn’t ready to put his money on it, as he is not totally sure. UFC CEO Dana White previously promised that fans could see McGregor inside the octagon this year; however, now things are more unclear.

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From s*xual assault civil lawsuits to racial rants, McGregor has repeatedly made headlines for all the wrong reasons. The former double champion is currently busy promoting his fighting promotion, BKFC, and also talked about his potential debut. Given the circumstances, it’s difficult for fans to believe that the ‘Mystic Mac’ is ever coming back to fighting.

Former UFC champion speaks on Conor McGregor’s comeback 

Conor McGregor’s prime was defined by precision striking, knockout abilities, and mental warfare. He shocked the world by dismantling Jose Aldo in 13 seconds and dominated Eddie Alvarez to become a two-division UFC champion. However, his decline began with inactivity, excessive focus on business ventures, and his boxing match with Floyd Mayweather. 

UFC veteran talks about Conor McGregor's comeback
UFC veteran talks about Conor McGregor’s comeback (via X)

Losses to Khabib Nurmagomedov and Dustin Poirier exposed his declining movement, diminished cardio, and lack of adjustments. Inactivity due to injuries, especially his broken leg in 2021, further deteriorated his aura. According to Demetrious Johnson, McGregor is currently just too wild and has no intentions to continue fighting. 

I don’t know, he is just too wild. When I see the old Conor and how he was moving, what happened there? …Money doesn’t change people, money brings out the true character of that person.

Demetrious Johnson via Outta Pocket with RGIII
YouTube video

In his prime, McGregor despised the idea of partying, but now fans see in different countries partying every week. Irrespective of his inactivity, the Irishman still gets the media attention, and fans are excited to see him. It would be interesting to see whether this year will mark his comeback or not.