UFC 300 took place this past weekend and brought with it some moments that will be remembered for years to come. On a night when the promotion’s biggest stars shined the brightest, there were some amazing finishes and knockouts. However, one of them had Michael Chandler truly worried for the fighter’s safety.
For those unaware, the monumental third centenary PPV event of the UFC took place at the T-Mobile Arena on April 13. With a card stacked from top to bottom, fans, experts, and fighters were able to witness a spectacle that will go down in combat sports history. On the night, 12 former and current world champions took to the Octagon and delivered as many had hoped.
WHAT A KO 🤯@BlessedMMA just blew the roof off T-Mobile 🚨 #UFC300 pic.twitter.com/7g0xJXESc4
— UFC (@ufc) April 14, 2024
Among the innumerable highlights was Alex Pereira’s stellar knockout of former champion Jamahal Hill. At the same time, the main talking point of the night came from Max Holloway as he knocked out Justin Gaethje in the closing moments of their BMF title fight. Whilst their fight was touted to be laden with violence, the finishing sequence was one that shocked people around the arena and worldwide.
Michael Chandler expressed concern for Justin Gaethje after UFC 300 KO loss
Notably, Michael Chandler was one of the many UFC fighters in the crowd for the occasion. Having competed against Justin Gaethje at UFC 268, Chandler is well aware of the strength and durability of the fighter. As such, to see him get slumped by Max Holloway in the manner that he did was always going to invoke a lot of emotion.
Speaking in a recent interview with TheMacLife, ‘Iron’ revealed what was going through his mind as he witnessed the buzzer-beating knockout:
“My first instinct was praying to God that (Justin) Gaethje was gonna get up and be okay, ’cause it was tough one to see, the way he crumbled.”
“That’s why we love this sport man. That’s why we love guys like Gaethje, we love guys like Holloway, I’m one of those guys, where people are watching.”
“Gaethje could have been like, ‘Ah forget it man, I’m just gonna tiptoe around for the next ten seconds since I probably lost the fight. But, goes out there, slings leather, completely reckless abandon, and gets absolutely flatlined.”
Interestingly, Michael Chandler admits here that he would like to face Max Holloway, possibly for the BMF title one day. Seeing that he, Gaethje, and Holloway are few of a dying breed, ready to leave it all on the Octagon, Michael believes that a fight against such competitors is imperative for his career and legacy.
Michael Chandler doubles down on his prediction for Conor McGregor fight
Notably, UFC 300 brought with it some good news for Michael Chandler. After nearly two years of back and forths, the 37-year-old finally saw his wish of getting to fight Conor McGregor get declared official. A matchup that has been in the waiting for quite some time now, will take place at UFC 303 on June 29th, during International Fight Week.
At long last, after pining for the fight and at times nearly embarrassing himself for it, Chandler gets the fight that he was promised. Now, barring any setbacks, the fight will go ahead in a 5-round contest set at 170 lbs. Throughout the buildup, Chandler has predicted a Round 2 finish of ‘The Notorious One”.
It’s official!!
Conor McGregor vs Michael Chandler at #UFC303!! pic.twitter.com/OAXKJt62vz
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) April 14, 2024
“I still see the outcome the same way. I think I’ll put him on his back foot in the first round. Make him second-guess himself in the first round, start drowning him in the first round, and then finish him in the second.”
“I don’t know if it’s gonna be a KO or a choke, make him give up his back and his neck. But, I think it’s gonna be a second-round finish and that has not changed as my ‘Mystic Mike’ prediction.”
For the most part, a win over Conor McGregor would put Michael Chandler in a very favorable position. Currently 2-3 in the UFC, Chandler needs a big win in order to push for the lightweight title. Seeing that he is nearing the end of his career, putting himself in a position to win and hold a belt will be of the utmost priority for the fighter.