“Extra 15lbs is no joke,” Kamaru Usman on lightweight contender Michael Chandler fighting Conor McGregor at welterweight

Kamaru Usman gives his insight on the announced fight between Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler.

“Extra 15lbs is no joke,” Kamaru Usman on lightweight contender Michael Chandler fighting Conor McGregor at welterweight

Kamaru Usman talks Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler (Image via: IMAGO)

Dana White announced blockbuster fights in the post-fight press conference at UFC 300. One of those fights is the return of Conor McGregor against Michael Chandler in the latter’s welterweight debut in the UFC. One UFC fighter who knows a thing or two about welterweight fights is Kamaru Usman, the former champion in the division.

Aside from Georges St-Pierre, nobody has accomplished more in the division than Usman. Therefore, Usman is the right person to talk about how a welterweight fight would affect Chandler and McGregor, who are natural lightweights. Usman spoke of it on the latest Pound 4 Pound podcast with Henry Cejudo.

I think when those guys [Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler] are able to cut that extra weight [to lightweight], when they're able to get to their optimal performance weight, I believe that's when they're the fastest, that's when they're the sharpest, and I think that's when they peak physical performance-wise, as far as their cardiovascular, as far as everything...carrying that extra 15 lbs is no joke. 
Kamaru Usman via Pound 4 Pound podcast
YouTube video

Usman further stated that the extra 15 lbs would affect the cardio if the fight went to the third, fourth, and fifth rounds. He cited the example of McGregor’s rematch with Nate Diaz. Even though McGregor won the fight via majority decision, the Irishman looked visibly tired, and Diaz was fresh.

Chandler has not fought at 170 lbs ever since his MMA debut. The last time he weighed more than 156lbs was almost 15 years ago. On the other hand, McGregor’s fights against Diaz and the one against Donald Cerrone were at 170 lbs. Interestingly, Kamaru Usman had also moved 15 lbs up in weight in his latest fight. Even though he was unsuccessful, he came close to stopping the hype train of Khamzat Chimaev.

Henry Cejudo speaks on Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler at welterweight

After Kamaru Usman made his thoughts known about Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler, Henry Cejudo chimed in with his bit. Unlike Usman and Chandler but similar to McGregor, Cejudo has achieved glory in two weight classes in the UFC.

Michael Chandler and Conor McGregor
Michael Chandler and Conor McGregor (via Imago)

Cejudo agreed with Usman’s assertion that the extra weight class would affect cardio. However, he believed that the weight class would affect one more than the other.

I personally think because Conor [McGregor] has been out for a minute, I think at 170 pounds it benefits him. But obviously, he's been inactive for so long.
Henry Cejudo via Pound 4 Pound podcast

Moreover, Cejudo thought that a victory for either would put them in title contention. However, Usman disagreed with the assessment. The Nigerian-American felt that such is not a precedent and would affect the promotion’s credibility. Nonetheless, McGregor is the biggest superstar, and it would not be a surprise to see him fighting for the title if he defeats Chandler.

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