04 January 2024 , 11:21
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Conor McGregor has been warned he isn't fighting Michael Chandler at an optimal weight class in his UFC return.
McGregor claims his comeback fight against Chandler will headline the UFC's International Fight Week on June 29 in Las Vegas. The fight date and weight class haven't been confirmed by the promotion, but it would mark both McGregor and Chandler's debuts at the new weight division.
The Irishman would join an elite group if the fight does take place at middleweight as only two fighters in UFC history have competed at four weight classes. McGregor has been advised against jumping up another weight class by fellow UFC legend Michael Bisping as he thinks it could be detrimental to his performance.
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“He fought at 145lb and then went up to 155lb, 185lb is not his optimal weight class. Granted, he’s fighting another lightweight in Michael Chandler. The problem is they’re going to be carrying more weight. I’m not hating on Conor and I’m really excited for the fight," Bisping said on the Believe You Me podcast.
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"He’s the most exciting guy because of the energy and the presence and the hype and the performances. Win or lose, and there’s been losses recently, they’re still big moments and the comeback is going to be something special. It really is, but I think with all that extra weight it’s going to be an issue. Not only does making weight suck, but making weight also insists on discipline.
“Having to make weight makes you disciplined. It makes you live that monk kind of lifestyle, that fighters enjoy and go through. On top of that, he’s not known for having the best cardio. When you’re carrying that extra weight, whether it’s muscle or fat, it’s going to tire you down, it’s going to slow you down, and it’s going to definitely affect your endurance.”
Chandler has been waiting on the sidelines for his shot at McGregor since being tapped out over a year ago by Dustin Poirier. The American has always welcomed fighting McGregor at his 'biggest and baddest' despite competing at lightweight for most of his career. Chandler took a dig at McGregor after their fight announcement by tweeting: "Don’t forget who was a natural featherweight who started his UFC career fighting cherry-picked bantamweights."