Conor McGregor 185 lbs: Why It Makes Sense for the Irish Star to Fight Michael Chandler at UFC MW Division

Conor McGregor’s return is finally announced, and fans can’t wait to see the UFC’s first double champ back in action. For months, MMA fans were eagerly waiting for an update regarding the Irishman’s return. However, things kept getting delayed, resulting in a rising frustration in the minds of all UFC enthusiasts. However, 2024 started with a splash of good news.

‘The Notorious’ announced his return fight against Michael Chandler. As per the former champion, this fight would take place on June 29, during International Fight Week. Regardless, what shocked many was McGregor’s revelation about the weight class of the fight! As per the Irishman, it will be a middleweight fight.

Since ‘Mystic Mac’ started his career at featherweight, and has never fought in the 185 lbs division, many are debating whether this decision will go for or against him. Let us look at some of the main reasons why a middleweight debut is all the Irishman needs!

KO Victories in 4 weight divisions

A knockout victory is celebrated unlike anything else by the MMA world. In the decades-long history of UFC, some distinguished fighters have made a special place in the history books as elite KO articles. Undoubtedly, Conor McGregor is one of them with KO victories across 3 UFC weight divisions.

While many think that this feat is only achieved by Conor McGregor, it isn’t true! Jared Cannonier and Vitor Belfort also have KO victories across 3 weight divisions. However, the Irishman can finally set the record straight and become the first UFC star to have KO victories in 4 different weight divisions. Now this is an accomplishment that will be remembered for ages to come!

While ‘Iron Mike’ is certainly not an easy opponent, he isn’t invincible to KO either. The former Bellator champion has lost 4 fights via KO/TKO. His most recent KO/TKO loss came against Charles Oliveira at UFC 262. It seems like Conor McGregor is very keen to etch his name in the history books once again, by defeating his opponent most spectacularly possible.

Conor McGregor fights closer to his natural weight

Conor McGregor’s last fight was on July 10th, 2021, and his next fight is probably on June 29th, 2024. This means an inactive spell for almost 3 years! After such a long hiatus, the Irishman will surely have to work a little harder than before in his fight camp. Moreover, a gruesome weight cut is definitely not what the former UFC champ wants to go through.

Therefore, a return fight at 185 lbs seems like a decent option for him. Over the last 2 years, McGregor has gained a significant amount of muscle and weight. At one point in time, some fans even speculated that he was walking around 260 lbs! This muscle gain might be indirectly linked to his career-altering injury at UFC 264.

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After suffering a horrendous leg break, the Irishman’s doctors might have advised the former UFC champ to gain a decent amount of muscle, to protect his shin bone from further damage. If this is the case, he wouldn’t want to lose the precious muscle that safeguards his injured leg, just to fight at a lower weight class.

Fresh territory for opponent Michael Chandler

Conor McGregor has never fought at middleweight, but so hasn’t Michael Chandler! Therefore, this weight class is a fresh territory for both accomplished fighters. Michael Chandler made his MMA debut in the welterweight category. However, he quickly moved down to the lightweight division. In the 155 lbs category, he won the Bellator Lightweight title multiple times.

Similarly, in the UFC, ‘Iron Mike’ has only fought in the lightweight division up until now. He suffered a loss in his last fight against Dustin Poirier at UFC 281. Moreover, it has been years since the former Bellator champ fought anywhere above 155 lbs. Therefore, a middleweight bout against one of the most dangerous fighters in the world can certainly go against Michael Chandler.

Is Conor McGregor playing the villain by announcing the 185 lbs fight? UFC legend states

Conor McGregor has always been known for his mind games. In his historic victory against Jose Aldo, many believe that ‘Mystic Mac’ psychologically defeated his opponent before the fight even started. Ever since then, the Irishman has been famous for playing mental tricks on his opponents.

Recently, UFC legend Daniel Cormier reacted to McGregor’s choice of weight class for his comeback fight. The former UFC heavyweight champion indicated that the Irishman might be playing a game by announcing such an unexpected weight class.

“McGregor’s playing the game. McGregor’s being the villain because the villain manipulates. The villain is the puppet master. Michael Chandler refuses to play the bad guy,” he declared.

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Is Conor McGregor genuinely confident about fighting at 185 lbs? Or the Irishman is just playing a villainous game? Only he knows! But what are your opinions about this? Do let us know in the comments below.