Conor McGregor’s highly anticipated return to the Octagon is just weeks away, and his coach, John Kavanagh, is brimming with confidence. McGregor will face Michael Chandler at UFC 303 on June 29, marking his first fight since breaking his leg in a trilogy bout with Dustin Poirier in July 2021.
Kavanagh, who has guided McGregor throughout his career, has been impressed by his star pupil’s progress in training. “He’s looking super slick,” Kavanagh told Andy Stevenson of Severe MMA. “He’s come back on the mats as sharp as ever.” While acknowledging the need for McGregor to build up his conditioning, Kavanagh believes his technique is as sharp as ever.
Kavanagh’s optimism extends beyond McGregor’s physical abilities. He sees similarities between Chandler and Chad Mendes, whom McGregor defeated within two rounds in 2015 for the interim featherweight title. “I’d be surprised if it goes two rounds,” Kavanagh said. “He just hits too hard, he’s too sharp.”
McGregor himself has chimed in on his plans for victory, revealing that he intends to utilize a kick from his previously broken leg. “I am ‘Terminator’ now,” he said on This Life of Mine with James Corden. “I have a titanium rod that goes into the knee and down to the bone, right down to my ankle. It’s unbreakable, so I have free reign to kick now.” McGregor’s confidence stems from the belief that this enhanced leg will give him a significant advantage in the fight.
As McGregor and his team continue their preparations for UFC 303, the anticipation surrounding his return reaches fever pitch. Kavanagh’s unwavering belief in his pupil’s abilities only adds to the excitement, promising a thrilling clash with Michael Chandler.
