Conor McGregor to Pay a Hefty Price for Forcing Michael Chandler to Fight in Middleweight, Ex-UFC Champ Explains Blunder

Conor McGregor is returning at 185 pounds; if that’s not heavy, we don’t know what is. ‘The Notorious’ has previously fought and won belts at lightweight and featherweight. However, this will be his big attempt at taking down Michael Chandler at middleweight. What complications could that bring?

To be fair, the fighter’s natural weight class comes down to 155 pounds. However, the big step up means dealing with much more body mass than he’s used to. Of course, training and conditioning will come in handy during the fight, but the body can only do so much. Here’s what UFC veteran Michael Bisping had to say about it.

Will Conor McGregor struggle at 185 pounds?

Michael Chandler is naturally lightweight right now. He’ll have to gain quite a bit, but he seems all hyped up. McGregor has probably not come up with this idea without being prepared. But has he really considered the problems he could face?

During his second fight against Nate Diaz, McGregor was seen taking a walk and getting away from a bloodied Diaz. He was tired, and it showed. He ended up winning that fight, but the effects of losing his stamina were quite real. Bisping cited that example before stating that Chandler might just come out as the winner.

“. . . the heavier you are, you generate more force but it’s going to slow you down right?” He said in his latest video. And I truly believe that the instincts, the reflexes will also be slowed but more importantly the big thing here is that it’s going to make him tired and if he gets tired and Chandler uses the correct game plan, he could be a sitting duck by round two and three.”

The potential threats of a brand-new weight class cannot be denied. Of course, McGregor will feel slow, and he could get tired out quickly. And if Michael Chandler takes the fight to him in a five-round match, then that could seal the deal for him. But could this version of McGregor be different? Here’s what Bisping added.

New year, new McGregor?

Conor McGregor could be called filthy rich at this point in time. He’s one of the highest-paid UFC fighters in the history of the promotion. Moreover, he’s coming from a long, long break. And the shin-snapping injury was terrifying to look at and probably much worse to deal with.

Also Read: UFC-Bound Conor McGregor Teaches Manny Pacquiao Another Lesson After $8 Million Lawsuit, Floyd Mayweather Fight Announcement Trolled

So the question remains: what version of McGregor will we see now? Bisping noted that all the factors, including motivation, time off, and leg injuries, could lead to a less hungry and more fed-up Conor McGregor. However, Bisping also noted that winning the fight and knocking a man out is “the best feeling ever” when the crowd chants your name. Will McGregor punch even harder for the same? Is that why he’s put himself up to the weight class challenge? We will find out on June 29th, 2024.

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