Khabib Nurmagomedov’s legendary coach, Javier Mendez has backed Conor McgGregor to get the win over Michael Chandler - but states Chandler needs to come in 'Khabib-style' to beat Mcgregor.
Recently, Michael Chandler and McGregor agreed to step into the ring for McGregor's comeback. There is no date set, but McGregor hinted at a December return at UFC 296, which is scheduled for December 16. However that never came to pass as UFC President Dana White confirmed that Jon Jones will take on Stipe Miocic in the main event of UFC 296.
Despite the fight not happening on the intended December date. Other fighters like Ian McGarry feel that 'loose cannon' Chandler should avoid going to 'war' with McGregor and fight smarter and that a slugfest will suit McGregor in the eventual fight.
However Mendez, who coached Khabib Nurmagomedov to victory over McGregor all those years ago believes that that Chandler should not get into a 'war of words' with the Crumlin native
“I'd tell Chandler “don't allow Conor's war of words to get him upset” because he's a master at that," said Mendez. " And that's one thing we prepared for from the very first day that Khabib-McGregor was announced. I told Khabib everyday he's going to come after your family, religion and your country.
"We talked about that for months leading up to the fight, and sure enough he did what any scumbag fighter would do. If you're a scumbag fighter you come after those things and you shouldn't. Come after the fighter fine, but using country and religion should never be allowed. This is a competition. It's not life or death, but you're making it life of death by bringing in religion and country. I wish fighters would never do that.”
We are ready for UFC 296: Conor McGregor vs Michael Chandler pic.twitter.com/zlcK4ZhN4c
— Amit Srivastav 🔑 (@khansmeme) September 7, 2023
Mendez believes that McGregor's fight style will give him the edge. He advised Chandler to wrestle the Dubliner and get him off his feet in the bout.
“I favour Conor only because Chandler likes to entertain. And he's going to stand more than he should. If Chandler fought the way he could fight I'd go with Chandler but Chandler is such a great entertainer, he's going to give Conor what he wants - doing more stand up than he should. Conor is the sharpshooter out of the two.
"Chandler brings war every time but I don't think this is the right type of fight for him. He needs to come in Khabib style, that’s the way to go with Conor. Basically shoot, shoot, shoot, punch. Never let him settle. Always let him know you're going to take him down so he doesn't settle, so he doesn't get comfortable on his feet.”
Mendez was speaking to Lord Ping
