Michael Chandler has claimed Conor McGregor has been drinking whiskey as a marketing tool ahead of their UFC fight.
McGregor has been out of action for nearly two years since breaking his leg but has returned to training and confirmed his return fight will take place against Chandler. A date for their UFC meeting has yet to be confirmed but it will take place as part of The Ultimate Fighter with the coaching stint of the competition having already been filmed.
With his return date yet to be confirmed, the Irishman has been attending a whole host of fighting events including Gervonta Davis' win over Ryan Garcia and BKFC 41 on Saturday night. While watching Mike Perry and Luke Rockhold do battle in the main event, the 34-year-old was seen drinking from a bottle of his Proper Twelve whiskey, which was his new flavour Irish Apple that has recently been released.
Many UFC fans became concerned with his behaviour and began doubting if his drinking at ringside would spell a significant delay to his comeback fight. However Chandler is unconcerned with his rival's behaviour and believes that it will only take a couple of months of training to be in shape for their showdown.
"Every time he takes a sip, it's not because he actually fiends for the alcohol," Chandler said during an interview with ESPN MMA when discussing McGregor's appearance in Colorado. "It's mainly because he wants to sell his whiskey and promote his whiskey. He's a master promoter and self-salesman.
"I think we've all gone through seasons, myself included, when it comes to injuries or losing a fight, feeling like you're down in the dump, 'Okay, I'll drink a little bit more, I'll stay up late, skip a workout'. For him, it's just building and staying in the public eye and drinking and being who he wants to be.
"I think regardless of his drinking to stay in the public eye, after a one-month or two-month training camp you will still get the best version of yourself. Luckily the body detoxes itself so I'm not worried about that at all. Whenever we fight if it is October, November then he has six-months minimum to clean things up so I am not worried."
McGregor has regularly been shown drinking during his journey to recovery having partied in some exotic locations around the world. It is currently unclear when his spell outside of the octagon will end given his status outside of the USADA drug-testing pool, which will likely delay his return for a further six months.
This could be a final shot at working his way to the top for McGregor who is expected to return at 170lb against Chandler having piled on the pounds during his rehabilitation. A win could see him propelled to the top of the division and in line for a shot against champion Leon Edwards who has welcomed a potential challenge.
