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The highly anticipated UFC 303 event is set to mark the long-awaited returns of two MMA heavyweights, Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler.
McGregor, a former two-division champion, has been absent from the octagon since his clash with Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021. That bout ended in dramatic fashion as McGregor suffered a severe leg injury, halting the fight in the first round. Since then, McGregor has undergone extensive surgery and rehabilitation to recover from the career-threatening injury.
On the other side of the octagon, Michael Chandler's last appearance was at UFC 281. Known for his explosive style and powerful strikes, Chandler has been eager to return to action after a period of inactivity.
The upcoming UFC 303 event will see these two formidable fighters finally collide, putting an end to months of speculation and anticipation. McGregor and Chandler's rivalry intensified during their stint as coaches on The Ultimate Fighter, further fueling excitement for their upcoming showdown.
In a recent interview on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, Chandler discussed his strategy for facing McGregor, particularly addressing the topic of targeting McGregor's surgically repaired leg.
"His 'hurt leg,' if you would, going after it, it's his back leg," Chandler said. "So me focusing on anything other than just being me and focusing on my strengths, which is always punches and bunches.
Big punches, punches to the head, punches to the body, pick them up, put them down, kind of in your face, foot on the gas type of Michael Chandler style. It would be silly for me to think about anything more than that."
Chandler acknowledged the strategic advantages of disrupting an opponent's movement and power by targeting their legs but stated that he does not foresee relying heavily on leg kicks in this particular matchup.