In a recent interview, former Bellator lightweight champion Michael Chandler did not hold back when discussing the recent controversy surrounding Conor McGregor’s weight cut for his fight against Donald Cerrone at UFC 246.
Chandler, who has been vocal about his desire to fight McGregor, called out the Irishman for his “NSFW debacle” and criticized him for not making weight for the welterweight bout.
Speaking on the “What the Heck” show, Chandler stated, “I think it’s a joke. I think it’s a complete joke. I think it’s a slap in the face to every single person who has ever had to cut weight, who has ever had to make weight, who has ever had to sacrifice and do the things that we do to make weight.”
McGregor, who has previously fought at featherweight and lightweight, was unable to make the 170-pound limit for the welterweight fight and came in at 170.5 pounds. This led to speculation that he may have struggled with the weight cut, which Chandler believes is unacceptable.
“I think it’s a slap in the face to the UFC, to Dana White, to the matchmakers, to the fans, to Donald Cerrone, to everybody who is involved in this fight,” Chandler continued. “I think it’s a joke and I think it’s a complete lack of professionalism.”
Chandler also took aim at McGregor’s team, accusing them of not properly preparing him for the weight cut. “I think it’s a lack of professionalism on his team’s part, on his nutritionist’s part, on his strength and conditioning coach’s part,” he said.
The 33-year-old fighter, who recently signed with the UFC, also expressed his frustration with McGregor’s behavior outside of the octagon, stating, “I think it’s a lack of professionalism on his part, in general. I think he’s a great fighter, I think he’s a great athlete, but I think he’s a terrible human being.”
Chandler’s comments come after McGregor’s recent arrest for allegedly punching a man in a Dublin pub and his ongoing legal issues.
Despite his strong words, Chandler made it clear that he still wants to fight McGregor and believes he would be a tough opponent for the former two-division champion.
“I think I’m the worst matchup for him in the entire UFC,” he said. “I think I’m the worst matchup for him in the entire world. I think I’m the worst matchup for him in the entire universe.”
It remains to be seen if Chandler will get his wish to face McGregor in the octagon, but one thing is for sure – he is not holding back when it comes to his opinions on the controversial fighter.
