Michael Chandler Says He'll 'Finish' Conor McGregor in 2nd Round of UFC Return Fight

Michael Chandler called his shot after UFC announced he'll fight Conor McGregor.

"I'm going to get in his face right away, make him take a backwards step right away," he said to ESPN's Brett Okamoto. "... If I want to pick him up and put him down, I'll pick him up and put him down and put a beating on him and get a sub that way. I believe I get a finish of Conor McGregor in the second round, that's my 'Mystic Mike' prediction."

Chandler is 2-3 since making his UFC debut in January 2021, having dropped three of his last four bouts. Before signing with the company, he was a three-time lightweight champion in Bellator.

McGregor is similarly in need of a win. He was knocked out by Dustin Poirier at UFC 257 in January 2021 and then suffered a first-round TKO when he fractured his tibia in their rematch that July.

The former UFC featherweight and lightweight champion hasn't stepped inside the Octagon since then as he recovered from the injury.

In an interview with TMZ Sports last July, Chandler lobbied for a date with McGregor.

"If Conor's coming back anytime soon, I think me and Conor would make some fireworks and it's a fight that fans want to see," he said. "I think it's the biggest fight we can make in mixed martial arts right now and I try to say that as humble as possible but I think it's a huge fight."

Even though McGregor's stock has fallen as a result of his successive defeats, Chandler could make a huge statement with a decisive victory.

The two will have ample time to generate excitement for their encounter. Along with announcing the fight, White said Chandler and McGregor will coach on opposite sides for the newest season of The Ultimate Fighter.