Michael Chandler On Conor McGregor: “More Than The Money”

UFC lightweight contender Michael Chandler wants a fight with Conor McGregor, but respects what he’s brought to the sport.

Chandler has hinted at a possible fight with McGregor for weeks, and the two seem to have mutual respect for one another. McGregor recently answered one Q+A participant by saying that it’s hard not to be impressed by Chandler.

Chandler fell short of the lightweight title earlier this year against Charles Oliveira but remains right in the thick of things in the division.

During a recent interview with Breakaway on YouTube, Chandler explained why he has so much respect for McGregor.

“The man doesn’t need to do a thing for the rest of his life, yet he is choosing to fight,” Chandler said. “And that’s a scary guy. A guy who is driven by more than just the money. And fighting Conor McGregor, that’s the epitome of huge in the sport. And the fact that we share the same weight class, the fact that our timelines work out well, that’s why I want the opportunity. If I don’t get it, I’ll keep on fighting and we’ll see what happens but I think right now is the time.”

Michael Chandler’s Stock Has Risen Since His Justin Gaethje Fight

Chandler has garnered massive credit and respect from UFC fans after his most recent fight against Justin Gaethje at UFC 268. In a three-round war with Gaethje, Chandler fell short of the win but had Gaethje in trouble numerous times and failing to quit.

The Chandler vs. Gaethje fight could make a case to be the Fight of the Year depending on how the rest of 2021 plays out.

McGregor continues to recover from a nasty leg injury he suffered against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 and is planning a return next year. The timing could make a lot of sense for a McGregor vs. Chandler fight once both plan their respective returns to the octagon.

Do you think Michael Chandler vs. Conor McGregor is the fight to make?