The MMA world is abuzz with excitement as Conor McGregor gears up to step back into the octagon against Michael Chandler in a thrilling five-round match. The event is set to take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Vegas for UFC 303.
The highly anticipated matchup has garnered attention from fans and contenders alike, with #1 lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan sharing his insights on the showdown. Tsarukyan has weighed in on the bout, expressing his belief in McGregor’s dominance.
The 27-year-old joined UFC veteran and pundit Michael Bisping on his channel. In the video, the two discussed the epic match.
In response to Bisping’s query, he said: “He (Michael Chandler) never use his brain, he always fights for the fans. He’s going to like, knock him out because he (Conor McGregor) is so dangerous in the first round…”
Tsarukyan confidently asserted McGregor’s superiority over his rival. He emphasized Chandler’s tendency to prioritize pleasing the fans over strategic combat, suggesting that McGregor’s lethal first-round capabilities could secure him the victory.
Tsarukyan also thinks McGregor is wiser and has better fitness. He believes that McGregor can defeat the NCAA Division 1 wrestler in the latter stages as well. This is despite the general belief that McGregor may not survive in the later rounds as the match progressed.
Tsarukyan’s outspoken nature has stirred controversy in the MMA community, particularly after his win at the monumental UFC 300 event. He refused to accept a short-notice title match against Islam Makhachev after his recent win. This decision drew criticism from Chandler himself on ‘The MMA Hour.’
Tsarukyan then responded by insulting the veteran and criticizing the former Bellator champion, claiming that they were not on the same level.
Also, UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev also took a subtle swipe at Tsarukyan for declining the championship opportunity. But the 27-year-old did not back down and responded to Makhachev.
Tsarukyan received an offer for a title match at UFC 302 shortly after winning UFC 300. The Armenian declined, saying he needed to compete for the championship after at least two weeks of relaxation and eight weeks of training camp.
But Makhachev saw this as Tsarukyan trying to avoid him. He indicated that Tsarukyan’s choice “did not surprise” him. Makhachev also said that he had previously made similar decisions.
He responded on X by tweeting: “That’s just not truth. The truth is that you want to fight me on short notice to have an extra advantage. It won’t happen again though. When was the last time you fought 2 times in 6 weeks? @MAKHACHEVMMA.”
Since Tsarukyan had turned down the offer, Dustin Poirier seized the chance to compete against Makhchev for the tiitle. He will square off against the champion in a thrilling five-round bout at UFC 302 in Newark, New Jersey.