Michael Chandler talks about overcoming challenges in MMA.
The former Bellator lightweight champ faced Conor McGregor in a highly anticipated battle, showcasing his skills against the unpredictable McGregor after not fighting him since November 2022. Chandler’s persistence paid off in the end.
Chandler’s most recent defeat was against Dustin Poirier at UFC 281, where he lost via rear-naked choke after a tough three-round fight. He compared this setback to a previous period where he lost three consecutive matches in his career, including bouts against Eddie Alvarez and Will Brooks in Bellator.
Reflecting on his struggles, Chandler mentioned, “I went 688 days without winning a fight. That’s almost two years without a victory.” He acknowledged the impact this streak could have on a fighter’s career, leading to self-doubt.
To address this, Chandler sought help from a sports psychologist, realizing the importance of consistent training to improve physically and mentally. He emphasized the significance of every aspect of training.
Chandler’s recent inactivity and McGregor’s return after a hiatus will play a role in their upcoming fights. McGregor’s last fight was also against Poirier in a trilogy at UFC 264 in July 2021, where he suffered a loss via technical knockout and leg injury in the first round.
