UFC light-weight Michael Chandler wasted two years of his professional profession ready for a Conor McGregor tremendous battle that by no means got here to fruition. Throughout his time away from the cage, “Iron” made a variety of guarantees in regards to the influence he would make on the 155-pound division when he was ultimately rebooked towards Charles Oliveira at UFC 309.
As an alternative, he simply seemed previous, gradual, and harking back to Tony Ferguson.
“Michael Chandler has hit Tony Ferguson standing, simply being sincere,” longtime referee “Huge” John McCarthy stated on his Weighing In podcast. “Who’s he going to beat? He seemed gradual at occasions. You wish to speak about wanting gradual? You can’t look gradual within the light-weight division. You’re gonna die. And he acquired outwrestled by a jiu-jitsu man. The 2 years (away) confirmed that not solely did Michael Chandler not enhance as a fighter, however he declined, and he watched his profession begin to expire. He’s calling out Conor McGregor after shedding once more. What the hell? You’ll be able to’t try this.”
Ferguson, 40, suffered probably the most spectacular collapses within the historical past of MMA, successful 12 straight fights then shedding eight in a row — 5 by means of knockout or submission. Equally, Chandler (23-9) gained six of seven then dropped 4 of his subsequent 5, along with his solely win during the last 4 years coming towards … Tony Ferguson.
“Michael Chandler acquired crushed. I imply, simply crushed,” McCarthy continued. I’m not saying he’s acquired seven losses in a row, I’m saying he’s on the identical path as Tony Ferguson. Mike’s in the identical place. That battle simply proved what two years out of the game will do to you. I don’t wish to see Michael Chandler broken. It’s solely gonna worsen. Once you’re preventing guys within the Prime 5, they’ll alter your life. One battle will alter the remainder of your life. I’m seeing the change and also you’re getting hit extra and also you’re having the issue. I don’t wish to see him get damage.”
Chandler, at present ranked No. 7, is predicted to make his Octagon return in early 2025.
