UFC: Michael Chandler says he’d be ‘nightmare’ for Conor McGregor
- Former two-time Bellator champion faces Dan Hooker in co-main event at UFC 257
- Chandler says ‘wrestling background, power of my hands and ability to mix up’ would cause Irishman problems
New UFC lightweight Michael Chandler will make his highly-anticipated debut in the UFC 257 co-main event this month – but already insists he would prove problematic for headline act Conor McGregor.
Chandler (21-5), who will face No 6-ranked Dan “The Hangman” Hooker (20-9) on Fight Island, Abu Dhabi on January 23, said he “of course” thinks about a future McGregor match-up and is sure his wrestling-based style could secure him the win.
“I want my name in that storyline, my name attached to [McGregor’s]. I want that possible fight,” the 34-year-old told ESPN’s Brett Okamoto.
“Do I think I match up extremely well with Conor? Absolutely. With my wrestling background, plus the power of my hands and ability to mix up the striking with takedowns and ability to push the pace. I think I’d be a nightmare for Conor.”
“I respect what he’s doing. Conor is continuing to come into his own,” Chandler added. “The way he put away ‘Cowboy’ [Donald Cerrone] a year ago was devastating. He has an even more formidable opponent in Dustin Poirier. May the best man win. But of course I’m thinking about sharing that Octagon with Conor because that’s what all lightweights, welterweights, featherweights, want that fight. So why shouldn’t it be me?”