‘This is the fight people want to see’ – UFC President Dana White explains why he picked Michael Chandler as Conor McGregor’s returning opponent

UFC President Dana White thinks Michael Chandler is the opponent fight fans most want to see against Conor McGregor in his comeback fight.

“Notorious” hasn’t fought since fracturing his tibia and fibula at UFC 264 in July 2021, but he’s now fully fit and has been booked to face Chandler later this year.

First, the pair are set to train opposite each other on the final season of UFC’s long-running MMA-based reality show, “The Ultimate Fighter.”

The show gives up-and-coming fighters the chance to compete for a spot in the UFC under the guidance of two established stars who act as opposing coaches.

McGregor once coached the show alongside Urijah Faber eight years ago on a show that many consider to be one of the best in the show’s 30-season history.

Speaking to the media for the first time since announcing his biggest star had a fight booked, White revealed the reasons why Chandler was McGregor’s returning opponent.

He said, “I think that’s the fight people want to see right now.

“I think it’s an exciting fight. The fact that this season is on ESPN. If you think about “The Ultimate Fighter” and how long it’s been around. It started on Spike, we had a run on FOX and now it’s going to be on ESPN the network.

“It’s exciting, fun and a huge opportunity for the show’s contestants. It’s a big deal. It’s a big season, it’s a big deal.

Chandler has relentlessly but respectfully called the UFC superstar the past year and many expect the two to hit it off while filming TUF.

However, the UFC boss thinks they could eventually grumble and we could have some interesting matchups that will help make their next fight even bigger.

White added, “It will be interesting to see with Chandler and Conor.

“I think there’s a level of respect between those two, but when you walk in and see each other every day and bump into each other… things happen. I don’t know how it’s going to pan out and that’s what makes the season fun.

White confirmed that McGregor and Chandler will begin filming TUF later this month and that the show will run from May 30 to August 15, meaning their fight won’t happen until late August at the earliest.

The 53-year-old insisted there was nothing set in stone regarding the weight, date or venue of the fight and revealed those things would be decided in the coming weeks .

White concluded, “We don’t have any details on the fight yet. I have no room. I don’t have an appointment. I don’t have all that yet.

“The coaches are probably going to come here the Monday after the Super Bowl and we’re going to sort out a lot of things.”

McGregor is desperate to get his career back on track after winning just one fight since winning his second UFC title beating Eddie Alvarez in 2016.

Chandler has been fun to watch since joining MMA’s premier promotion in 2021, but he’s only got two wins from his first five UFC fights and will need to be better than he has been to walk away victorious. the biggest fight of his career.