Michael Chandler Spills Crucial Gameplan for Conor McGregor Fight at UFC 303 – “I Hit Harder Than He Does”

Conor McGregor and his return to the UFC to fight Michael Chandler might be a little late, but it is happening. The two fighters have spewed fire at each other ever since their fated clash was discussed. While the rumors kept flying since TUF 31, Dana White finally announced the fight set for UFC 303. And as expected, the heat is on, and it is at the point where neither fighter is shying away from laying out their game plan!

After prophecizing to steal McGregor’s soul, ‘Iron’ took to ‘The Shawn Ryan Show’ to disclose the plan of action for the fight. Without a doubt, he was confident about his victory. But what made him so confident?

Michael Chandler reveals his plan for Conor McGregor

In the talk show, the Missouri native claimed that the fight against Conor McGregor was something that he had earned. Because McGregor was out of action for three years, ‘Iron’ believed that he was better than him – “I don’t need to be getting into a firefight with a guy who has got a bigger rifle than me. Right? I think I hit harder than he does. I think my, I think I would venture to say his time out of the cage has lent itself to his timing not being what it used to be, his movement not being what it used to be, his reflexes not being what they used to be.”

The three-time Bellator lightweight champion believed that if he could be more tactical, he could win easily. He planned to get in his opponent’s face, put him up against the cage, perform takedowns, and take the wind out of McGregor’s sails. Chandler aimed to make sure that McGregor would lose his spirits. But this wasn’t the only time Chandler revealed his plan. 

Previously, an Instagram post showed Chandler’s quotes which depicted the fighter’s game plan for UFC 303. ‘Iron Mike’ said that the fight would end in the second round, either with a KO/TKO, or he would take McGregor’s back and “steal his soul through his esophagus.” 

In another interview with ESPN, the 38-year-old declared that he would knock out the Dubliner within the first two rounds. “I knock him out in the first two rounds. That’s it. That’s it. No ifs or buts about it.” However, team McGregor does not see this fight going past the opening round.

McGregor vs. Chandler would go for just 2 rounds?

McGregor’s coach, John Kavanagh, claimed that it was unlikely for the fight to go two rounds. Kavanagh said that the ‘Mystic Mac’ was as sharp as ever. Despite his absence for such a long period, McGregor’s coach strongly believed that even though there would be a few takedowns and scrappiness, the former double champion would get back on his feet.

He said, “I’d be surprised if the Michael Chandler fight can go to rounds. He hits too hard; he’s too sharp. Is there going to be scrappiness? A few takedowns and stuff? Maybe. But every round starts on the feet, and his ability to get back there is underestimated.”

While the American is one inch short of matching the Irishman’s reach, he suspects that he can overcome the issue with his better cardio. Maybe McGregor’s doubtful cardiovascular health is what boosts Chandler’s confidence. With UFC 303 finally visible on the horizon, the excitement in the fans’ minds is palpable. But who would win? Only time can tell.