Conor McGregor always feels one win away from a title shot.
“The Notorious” former UFC featherweight and lightweight champion hasn’t fought since July 2021 when suffering a nasty broken leg opposite Dustin Poirier. Seemingly all healed up and good to go, McGregor’s return is set for the second half of 2023, coming at the conclusion of The Ultimate Fighter 31’s finale.
McGregor’s former title challenger in the UFC and third-place Bellator lightweight champion Michael Chandler will stand across. Michael Bisping thinks there is a chance for one of the fan favorites to win the title, even though both are coming in with losses.
“If McGregor gets it done, will we see him fight for the title next? “That is an absolute certainty,” Bisping stated on his YouTube Channel HTML1. “That is 100 percent. Prepare mentally. He’s the most prominent star in boxing, regardless of what you may think. He’s a former two-weight division champion, and he’s a person that people want to see fight.
“So, if he goes out there and beats Michael Chandler, who’s one of the top-ranked lightweights on the planet, and he does it in exciting fashion, I’ll be honest, I’d have no problem with him fighting for the belt. McGregor vs. Chandler, I’m excited. Take my money already.”
Chandler has been targeting a McGregor showdown since his arrival in the promotion in Jan. 2021, whether at 155 or 170 pounds. It looked like “Iron” was again out of luck as just a few weeks ago, his past foe Tony Ferguson was the one most linked to being McGregor’s next dance partner.
In terms of danger and current divisional status, Chandler outweighs Ferguson at this stage and is on the list of people to set “El Cucuy” back. Ferguson has been on a losing streak of five fights and Chandler is already feeling the pain. Bisping’s former champion in middleweight can’t help but praise the Irishman for his participation in matchmaking.
” I respect McGregor for taking on this fight,” Bisping stated of McGregor. “There were easier fights for him to take. There was a rumor that McGregor was going to go up against Tony Ferguson.
“Tony Ferguson would’ve been — with respect to Tony — a kind of more winnable fight … It’s a tough fight for McGregor. He’s been away for a while. He’s getting older. He’s been partying a bit. He took a picture of his leg. He’s got up to 170 [pounds], 185, 205, whatever he weighs. Now, if the fight takes place at 155, he’s gotta lose all that mass. It’s time to stop taking all those supplements. He needs to get back in shape and stay focused .
There is currently no date set for McGregor’s vs. Chandler match-up. McGregor still needs to re-enter the USADA testing pool after exiting in 2022.
TOP STORIES
Clarity. Ryan Bader scoffs at disclosed Bellator 290 pay, says he makes ‘8, 9 times more’ than he did in UFC
Reflection. Dana White: Fedor Emelianenko not ‘one of the greatest of all-time,’ should have retired ‘a few years ago’
Hopeful. Michael Chandler believes Conor McGregor fight could earn 2 million PPV buys: ‘It’s very achievable’
Promotion. Jorge Masvidal’s Gamebred Boxing 4 event on April 1 headlined by Anthony Pettis vs. Roy Jones Jr., also features Jose Aldo, Vitor Belfort
Comeback. Chris Weidman targets summer UFC return: ‘I’m coming back to try and get back what is mine’
VIDEO STEW
The MMA Hour.
UFC 284 Embedded 1.
Michael Chandler on Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski.
Conor McGregor’s perfect opponent?
SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE
This guy is simply too great.
After seconds of grueling research I am here with another Unprofessional Breakdown of this weekends PPV card #UFC284 pic.twitter.com/twQiidLaOZ
— Sodiq Yusuff (@Super_Sodiq) February 6, 2023
Who?
Decisions pic.twitter.com/96OSS65rGW
— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) February 6, 2023
Lunge.
ranzi pic.twitter.com/zcv8CT0acR
— Kana WatanabexDu Bian Hua Nai (@kanawatanabe821) February 6, 2023
He hit him with a Lincoln.
Only thing I wish is that people actually wanting to see you fight!!! There’s no belt you haven’t worn and there’s no way I will ever see one! Chubby is ready to turn you into a meme and give these away for free! #Sincerely #YourKING https://t.co/PXaXZlcBmH
— Jamahal Hill (@JamahalH) February 6, 2023
It’s true. I was there.
A few moments after this photo was taken, Fedor Emelianenko gifted me his fight week track suit. This gesture means a lot to me and I’ll cherish it forever! pic.twitter.com/Zm8BvlrX47
— . (@kidceej) February 6, 2023
History.
The Satoko Shinashi vs. Hisae Watanabe rivalry is one of the more important ones between unheralded pioneers and legends in MMA. It’s officially a Shinashi fight week for the first time since 2019… and a rubber match is actually still a possibility in 2023… #DEEP112Impact pic.twitter.com/3oJi3UFRZR
— Drake Riggs (@DrakeRiggs_) February 7, 2023
Birthday time.
Happy 5th birthday our beautiful princess Lilliana pic.twitter.com/fmcDUwIeun
— Robert Whittaker (@robwhittakermma) February 7, 2023
So Fremdly.
One year ago today I took a chance and realized a dream I had since I was 10 years old.
Signed to the UFC.
Still got a lot of work and a lot of proving still to do ! pic.twitter.com/vlG0kuoD1Q— Fremd (@joshfremd) February 7, 2023
LA.
Walking around Los Angeles pic.twitter.com/wrFx2dbA4N
— Diana Avsaragova (@pantera_57_) February 7, 2023
Growth.
Down under.
Just dance.
#UFC284 fighters join in on a traditional aboriginal dance in Perth pic.twitter.com/vKM5HBaH9K
— MMAFighting.com (@MMAFighting) February 7, 2023
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Abubakar Nurmagomedov (17-3-1) vs. Carlston Harris (17-5); UFC Vegas 71, March 11
FINAL THOUGHTS
I sure hope Bisping is wrong, but you have to imagine that he’s probably right. The UFC would find it impossible to resist.
We are grateful for your time!
POLL POSITION
Last Week’s Results:
Friday: 56% of 475 total votes answered “Jiri Prochazka” when asked, “Who is Jon Jones’ biggest threat at 205 pounds?”
Thursday: 55% of 471 total votes answered “Derrick Lewis” when asked, “Who wins?” Sergey Spivac def. Lewis via first-round submission (arm-triangle choke) in UFC Vegas 68’s main event.
Wednesday: 42% of 771 total votes answered “Tony Ferguson” when asked, “Who would be the more entertaining fighter for Conor McGregor to coach The Ultimate Fighter against?” Michael Chandler was recently announced as McGregor’s next opponent and rival coach on TUF 31.
Tuesday: 47% of 392 total votes answered “Lower” when asked, “Where does Jake Paul rank amongst all-time great combat sports marketers and promoters?”
Monday: 71% of 642 total votes answered “No” when asked, “Will Raul Rosas Jr. win a UFC title?”
Today’s exit poll :
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Source: https://www.mmafighting.com/2023/2/7/23588457/morning-report-bisping-conor-mcgregor-100-percent-gets-a-title-shot-with-win-over-michael-chandler?rand=96749
