UFC star Michael Chandler has jumped to defend Conor McGregor's lightweight opponent, calling those who criticize McGregor's losses "haters"
McGregor, a former champion in two divisions, was defeated by Dustin Poirier in the first round earlier this year.
Conor McGregor has lost three out of his four previous octagon appearances
Many have begun to doubt his status as an elite lightweight, and some even claim that he is now past his sell-by.
Chandler, a three-time Bellator 155lb champion, disapproves of that idea, saying on the Bussin’ With The Boys podcast, "He's an entirely different level competitor."
"And anyone who discredits Conor because he has lost fights are just casuals or Conor haters, to be truthful with you."
After losing to Justin Gaethje in UFC 268, Chandler has set his sights on a showdown against the Dubliner.
Even though McGregor has won only one of his four previous outings, Chandler still believes McGregor is a dangerous fighter.
He stated, "That left hand could put anyone out on the whole planet."
"I believe my right hand is strong enough to take out anyone on the planet. It's a great fight.
It's a different approach when fighting Conor, because fighting Gaethje who loves brawl is easier than fighting someone who's afraid to throw a punch at you because you don't see the shot coming as you pull your hand back.
"So, you have to be on your Qs and Ps with the striking.
"But then, the coolest thing about Conor is that everybody always talks about Conor's poor wrestling skills, and how terrible a grappler he was.
"Chad Mendes knocked him down a few times. He was knocked down several times during the second fight (Nate Diaz).
"He was knocked down in many other fights but he never lost his cool.
"His mental awareness and stability within the octagon and inside the confines competition, particularly with how high the stakes and the senses were inside his fights, while everyone in the world is watching is something to behold.
McGregor, 33 years old, is currently recuperating from the broken leg he sustained in his UFC 264 Trilogy fight with Poirier.
John Kavanagh, the head coach, recently announced that Mystic Mac would return to the mats within a few weeks.
Submission Radio spoke to him, "He's going back in the gym. He's going back on the mats now.
"He is doing a lot strength training right now.
"The guys are jacked. He's probably coming back as a midweight (laughs).
"But he will be back on the floor with me soon and we'll begin with combat sports training again.
"And, he is getting some, um... I always need to choose my words here, but look, let's start with drills.
I actually laughed with him and said, "Look, I'd prefer if we just started off with some techniques, some drilling, and let's see where it goes."
"And he was like, "no, I'm going do five by five, that is what I'm returning to do."
"And I'm like: Oh, great, you're right, we're back to full combat training again."
BLACK FRIDAY BETTING: BEST SIGN-UP DEALS and FREE BETS
