Former 2-division champ Conor McGregor recently made his Hollywood debut in “Road House”. It’s a remake of the 1989 cult classic, that has him playing the secondary antagonist. The role saw him buffed up way above normal. This had keen-eyed MMA enthusiasts speculating that the 155lbs Dubliner has been planning his move as a probable 185lber for a while now, against expectant rival Michael Chandler .
Not surprisingly, after teasing as much, he posted an IG reel on New Year’s Eve. McGregor prompted he’s facing Chandler during International Fight Week in 2024, at middleweight. While the buzz has simmered down, he is still eager to face TUF:31 Co-coach Michael Chandler. According to ESPN’s Brett Okamoto, the latter welcomed the challenge at any weight.
Years on the shelf, and with only two fights left in his contract, the management has ushered the need for a better camp for the Hollywood debutant before his return is finalized; which he says he is ready for. In a recent sitdown with UFC on TNT Sports, McGregor said he’d hang up fighting only when he’s down and out. Quipping at the sentiment, here’s how Chandler reacted:
I got you fam… - 93 days…. Michael Chandler on X
To the grave
— UFC on TNT Sports (@ufcontnt) March 28, 2024
Conor McGregor plans to fight until the very end
Watch the full interview between @thenotoriousmma and @adamcatterall on YouTube now ▶️ pic.twitter.com/0SNrmj8waH
I got you fam…
— Michael Chandler (@MikeChandlerMMA) March 29, 2024
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93 days…. https://t.co/fdbsOH8ZYk
‘The Notorious’ recently told ESPN MMA’s Marc Raimondi of all cylinders firing for such a hash out. Cody Durden’s Twitter blunder of accidentally revealing an appearance for the UFC 303 card mentioned to be under McGregor vs. Chandler. This has the fight community excited about such a prospect. As it happens to be, Chandler is ready for a showdown in 93 more days.
Michael Chandler facing 22-6-0, 2-division phenom Conor McGregor has been floating around for a long time. The duo acted as opposition coaches for TUF: Season 31 and were to duke it out right after the season ended. But with the USADA rift, and with McGregor not needing any contractual changes soon, things were at a stalemate.
The Irishman later teased a return for International Fight Week in June (bumped from UFC 302 to UFC 303). While more recent times see McGregor airing frustration with the UFC over terms of return, both hint that it is a surety. Chandler later told Michael Babcock on the “TMZ Sports” TV show, that the claims of a summer return weren’t a smoke mirror. The question is, how does the 23-8 MMA, 2-3 UFC opponent train? Let’s relive the week in Michael Chandler’s workout exploits.
#workoutoftheday – speed mixed with strength for a good mid-week wake up.
— Michael Chandler (@MikeChandlerMMA) March 20, 2024
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Walk On.
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See you at the top! pic.twitter.com/3r6vYVJRqh
An unforgettable experience with @panerai as they held a 3 day Special Operations Training Experience in honor of the Navy SEAL Experience Edition watch.
— Michael Chandler (@MikeChandlerMMA) March 21, 2024
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Amazing times with amazing people!
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Walk On.
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See you at the top! pic.twitter.com/jdSoiBbubo
#workoutoftheday – shoulder complex: high, wide and backside. @getbiofuel
— Michael Chandler (@MikeChandlerMMA) March 22, 2024
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Walk On.
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See you at the top! pic.twitter.com/nShEywDM3V
#workoutoftheday – bulletproofing the body and never taking ourselves too serious.
— Michael Chandler (@MikeChandlerMMA) March 25, 2024
–@walkonfitness new bulking program just dropped!
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Walk On.
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See you at the top! pic.twitter.com/yaffa1M7Rm
I stuck to my guns, I’m happy I did it, cannot be stopped, no way to prevent it.
— Michael Chandler (@MikeChandlerMMA) March 26, 2024
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Walk On.
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See you at the top! pic.twitter.com/2E39ZoxcqV
#workoutoftheday – I’m still finding new movements I am passionate about. These heel-elevated goblet squats are and coupling them with a seated strict overhead press was a doozy. Getting the entire body involved on this superset.
— Michael Chandler (@MikeChandlerMMA) March 27, 2024
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Walk On.
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See you at the top! pic.twitter.com/9NVwRxsGd2
Start stacking little wins. @bedroskeuilian
— Michael Chandler (@MikeChandlerMMA) March 28, 2024
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Walk On.
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See you at the top! pic.twitter.com/YDGESyGnzw
Chandler starts it all early morning, with variable cardio over rough terrain. He calls it “Stairs of Death.” It is followed by limb extensions and supplementary cardio. He often posts doing weighted cardio or the farmer’s carry. While he is bulking for a shift, he does keep it strong with Sled training as well.
Michael Chandler is prone to systematic targeting of muscle bundles and weekly routines. He also nudged on inventive experimentation like a beginner in the gym. Only time will tell if he can bank on these upon his return.
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