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via Imago

via Imago

Michael Chandler wants as many eyes as possible on his clash with Conor McGregor! The highly anticipated bout between the two was recently confirmed by UFC CEO Dana White who revealed that UFC 303 on June 29 will see the pair finally step into the Octagon. Originally scheduled to take place after the TUF 31 season last year, the fight was the source of much speculation amongst the MMA fandom and experts for the extended delay in finalizing a date and terms for the bout.

But in a recent interview on The MMA Hour, Chandler provided an interesting perspective on the significance of this bout. He stated, “The most likely scenario is I go out there and absolutely dismantle him and it might be the last time we ever see Conor fight.”

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While he did indicate that there is also a possibility that McGregor makes a successful return to the cage and secures his first win since 2020, Chandler believes that scenario is highly unlikely to occur. And since the victory against Donald Cerrone at UFC 246, McGregor has yet to bounce back from his consecutive losses to Dustin Poirier that occurred in 2021 at UFC 257 and UFC 264, respectively.

As such, Chandler went on to state, “So people have to buy the pay-per-view because it could be the last time you see Conor…”, indicating that another loss might end ‘The Notorious’s dreams of a comeback to fighting. However, the fans online weren’t exactly pleased with the sentiments shared by Chandler and they took to the comments section to make their thoughts known. Here’s a look at what the fans had to say.

Michael Chandler gets slammed by fans for his comments about UFC 303 and Conor McGregor

Fans pointed out that Chandler’s comments were a ploy to increase the amount of PPV points he would receive if more people purchased the PPV. However, for them, the bout isn’t as exciting as McGregor vs Nate Diaz

He’s not slick, just wants them PPV points. Haven’t bought a PPV since Conor and Diaz and you not Nate

Others hinted at other alternative ways to watch the event as one fan even indicated that PPV purchases aren’t the only way to enjoy a UFC event

Pay? As in give you my money? Theres other ways to watch it

Some reiterated that all the bluster and the comments are just a marketing attempt by Chandler to raise the profile of the PPV

Chandler trying to do his bit to sell some ppv tickets lol

Fans also bluntly stated that they’re not interested in the event due to not being fans of either McGregor or Chandler and as such, the UFC and Dana White might be dealing with a lower number of PPV buys for the marquee event

Nice try Chandler! Too bad I hate Conor, and not too impressed by your sniveling! So I will not be buying the PPV.

The fans also pointed out the record of Michael Chandler which does highlight the fact that he’s only had one win against ‘El Cucuy’ at UFC 274 and lost his next fight against Dustin Poirier at UFC 281 in 2022.  Prior to the Ferguson fight, Chandler had been on a 2-fight skid. In essence, both McGregor and Chandler will be entering this bout with a loss in their last outing in the Octagon.

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Chandler talks a lot for someone who has two wins in the last 4 years. And his only recent win is a Tony Ferguson who should be retired. Both Conor and Chandler are in the same fighting level except Conor is Conor!!

Fans also pointed out that the fight against ‘The Notorious’ is the most high-profile and lucrative bout Chandler will ever receive and as such, he should be focused on the fight instead of talking as a loss here will be his 4th loss in the promotion with just 2 wins to his name in the UFC

You just got your red panty night that you’ve begged two years for chill man you’re getting slumped

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In conclusion, the discourse surrounding UFC 303 highlights the multifaceted nature of fan engagement in combat sports, where athletes navigate not only the physical challenges of competition but also the complexities of public perception and commercial interests. Despite the varying opinions, one thing is clear: the anticipation for UFC 303 remains high, but whether it translates into PPV buys remains to be seen.