Michael Chandler has doubts about the sincerity of Conor McGregor’s plan to fight him in December.
McGregor (22-6 MMA, 10-4 UFC) and Chandler (23-8 MMA, 18-5 UFC) recently wrapped taping Season 31 of “The Ultimate Fighter,” which aired its season finale Tuesday on ESPN.
McGregor mapped out a three-fight plan, which starts with Chandler at UFC 296 on Dec. 16. Chandler said he will be ready, but he’s not banking on fighting before the end of the year.
“It happening in December? I’m not holding my breath,” Chandler said on ESPN’s “DC & RC.” “But, you know I’m ready.”
McGregor has yet to re-enter the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) testing pool, which could delay his return unless he’s granted an exemption. If it’s not granted, he will required to submit two clean tests over a six-month period. However, Chandler questions if it’s just USADA that could hold the fight back.
“That’s definitely one aspect of it, obviously,” Chandler said. “Is he training? I don’t know how much he’s training. We see him on boats more than we see him hitting bags. For me, you know I’m ready. You now I’m always staying in shape. I am 37 now so I’m trying to keep my diet a little bit more dialed in so I can stay a little bit more ripped, look like a professional athlete.
“You know (that) I’m ready tomorrow, but if it could happen by the end of the year, that would be phenomenal. But if it spills over into 2024, either way, the most exciting guy in the sport, myself, vs. the biggest star in the sport, and the greatest comeback in combat sports history, people are going to tune in and we’re going to put butts on seats.”