American UFC fighter Michael Chandler opened up about the psychological challenges he faced while preparing for a fight against former two-weight champion, Irishman Conor McGregor.
Chandler said in an interview with Action Network:
[My inner voice] does not think I deserve this fight. But I do. I think we all have that little guy or that little gal inside of us. And it’s okay to have them, and I think it’s also okay to open up about it. It seems more genuine, and it’s more authentic to speak about your struggles, to speak about your doubts – because if you act like you are impenetrable and you’re bulletproof, it’s an unattainable psychology.
The bout between McGregor and Chandler was scheduled for June this year at UFC 303 in Las Vegas, USA, but was postponed indefinitely due to McGregor's broken toe.
Chandler last fought Dustin Poirier in November 2022 at UFC 281, where he suffered a loss by submission in the third round. His record stands at 23 wins and eight losses. McGregor's last appearance in the octagon was against the same opponent, Poirier, in July 2021 at UFC 264, where he lost by technical knockout due to a leg break. His record shows 22 wins and six losses.