John McCarthy says Michael Chandler will be in trouble if he doesn’t employ a different strategy against Conor McGregor.
Chandler (23-8 MMA, 2-3 UFC) and McGregor (22-6 MMA, 10-4 UFC) will coach “The Ultimate Fighter 31” and are expected to fight after the show airs. It debuts May 30 on ESPN and ESPN+, with the conclusion of the season set for Aug. 15 after weekly episodes airing Tuesdays.
Chandler has earned bonuses in four of his five UFC bouts and already been involved in the 2021 Fight of the Year vs. Justin Gaethje and a 2022 Fight of the Year contender vs. Dustin Poirier – both of which he lost. But against a precise and powerful striker like McGregor, McCarthy believes it’ll be a grave mistake for Chandler to seek a thrilling battle instead of leaning on his decorated wrestling background.
