WATCH: Conor McGregor’s potential rival squats 315 pounds going viral ahead of anticipated fight

Michael Chandler performs a 315-pound squat for reps in training for his potential fight against Irish superstar, Conor McGregor.

WATCH: Conor McGregor’s potential rival squats 315 pounds going viral ahead of anticipated fight

Michael Chandler executes a 315-pound squat in training (via Instagram)

Last year was filled with drama between the Irish former double champion, Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler. This drama has continued into 2024 as well. The rivals potentially will fight this summer or fall. Michael Chandler recently posted an Instagram video of himself squatting 315 pounds. This comes as Chandler continues pushing for a fight with Conor McGregor.

The video was uploaded on Michael Chandler’s Instagram account. It shows Chandler doing squats for reps with an impressive 315 pounds. He continued to do several reps of this heavyweight and then racked it back. The UFC lightweight then went on to perform a kettlebell workout as a superset to the intense squat session.

YouTube video

Chandler has been persistent in calling for the McGregor matchup. But McGregor has shown little interest since retiring in 2022. The duo were opposing coaches on the Ultimate Fighter and were supposed to fight last year. However, McGregor’s exit from the USADA drug testing pool and other circumstances halted this fight. 

FS Video

The video highlights Chandler’s formidable strength and conditioning. Especially as he adds muscle mass in the weight room. Chandler appears very muscular while lifting the 315 pounds smoothly. This shows his power could present problems for McGregor if they do fight. McGregor has taken a more casual approach to training as was evident from his biking session on the yacht.

UFC CEO hopeful of Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler this fall

The UFC CEO remains hopeful of the Irish superstar’s return this fall. He revealed the promotion is targeting the fall of 2024 for a fight between Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler. White shared the timeline during an interview on The Pat McAfee Show.

Dana White hopes for Conor McGregor's return to the octagon this fall
Dana White hopes for Conor McGregor’s return to the octagon this fall (via Sports Illustrated)

Many hoped McGregor would return sooner against Chandler. There was optimism for UFC 300 in April or International Fight Week in June. This extends McGregor’s layoff even longer than expected. The UFC has struggled to finalize a date for McGregor’s return. Chandler has frequently called out McGregor on social media to no avail. McGregor himself recently demanded a date be set for the fight. He had previously revealed to his fans that he will be returning to the octagon in June. However, this was rejected by Dana White.

McGregor has not competed since breaking his ankle against Dustin Poirier in July 2021. Chandler last fought in November 2022, losing a decision to Poirier. The two coached opposing teams on The Ultimate Fighter leading to speculation of an imminent fight. As the UFC’s biggest star, McGregor’s return commands major attention whenever it takes place. A showdown with the popular Chandler has fans excited. But they will have to wait until at least the fall for the matchup to come together.

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