Conor McGregor’s coach thinks he’ll make quick work of his comeback opponent.
The former dual-weight champion hasn’t fought since breaking his leg during a trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier in July 2021, but he is booked to return against Michael Chandler at UFC 303.
McGregor and Chandler have been booked to fight for over a yearCredit: Getty
John Kavanagh, who has been McGregor’s head coach for his entire career, will be in his corner when he returns to the Octagon in Las Vegas on June 29.
The Straight Blast Gym [SBG] owner says his biggest star already looks good in training.
“He’s looking super slick,” Kavanagh told Andy Stevenson of Severe MMA.
“He’s come back on the mats as sharp as ever. Of course, we’ve got to get the rounds in and the conditioning up so as to be ready for competition, but his technique is as sharp as ever.”
Kavanagh is convinced that McGregor will quickly KO Chandler at UFC 303.
The renowned MMA coach sees similarities between Chandler and Chad Mendes, who got stopped by McGregor inside two rounds when they fought for the interim featherweight title in 2015.
Kavanagh added: “I’ve said this from the start, I see similarities to the Mendes fight. I’d be surprised if it goes two rounds.
“I’d be surprised. He just hits too hard, he’s too sharp.
Kavanagh has been in McGregor’s corner since the very startCredit: Sportsfile – Getty
He expects his star client to deal with Chandler like he did Chad MendesCredit: Getty – Contributor
“Is there going to be scrappiness and a few takedowns and stuff? Maybe. But every round starts on the feet and his ability to get back there is underestimated, so I’d be surprised if we see two rounds.”
Kavanagh may have called the round, but McGregor has gone one step further by revealing the shot he plans to KO Chandler with – and he’s been perfecting it in the gym.
‘Mystic Mac’ predicts a kick from his previously broken leg will get him the win at UFC 303.
“I am ‘Terminator’ now,” he said on This Life of Mine with James Corden.
“I have a titanium rod that goes into the knee and down to the bone, right down to my ankle. It’s unbreakable, so I have free reign to kick now, so I’m ready to go and I’m excited.
“I wish for, and I will work for landing this kick with this steel bar in my leg against an opponent and getting them out of there.
“I want to see a picture of myself in the Octagon with my leg broken, and then I want to see a picture of myself in the octagon with my leg wrapped around my opponent’s neck or head and putting him out and side by side.”