Gilbert Burns: Michael Chandler Will Kick Conor McGregor’s Ass

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— The Ultimate Fighter (@UltimateFighter) July 5, 2023

While many fans believe the fight between “The Ultimate Fighter 31” coaches Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler will be postponed until 2024, Gilbert Burns has heard otherwise.

In a recent interview with Sherdog.com, Burns claims that Chandler, a training partner at Kill Cliff FC, told him the bout will happen in December.

"He was already relaxed when he met [UFC president Dana White] backstage at UFC 290 and Dana told him to be ready, that it will happen by the end of the year,” Burns said. “The following day Chandler posted a Christmas tree [on Twitter]. So I think it's on and will happen in December.”

Burns does not believe that the current version of McGregor matches up well with Chandler.

"If we were talking about the prime Conor, who beat [Jose] Aldo and [Eddie] Alvarez, that guy was really a badass and I would have to put him as the favorite. But today´s Conor, drinking Proper No. Twelve wearing a short speedo on the beach last week, that guy will not last with Chandler.”

Burns says that Chandler sets an example with his work ethic at Kill Cliff FC.

"He is the first to arrive, studies every detail of his oponent, trains all disciplines, writes down on paper every detail of the strategy. The crazy thing is that when the cage door closes he just tears the paper up and turns on his killer mode,” Burns said. "But Chandler is no joke. The guy is strong, has knockout power, amazing wrestling, great ground skills and never gets tired. It’s is a very bad match up for Conor. He will kick Conor´s ass.”

On the topic of matchups, Burns will have a tough time watching when two of his friends, Vicente Luque and Rafael dos Anjos square off in the UFC on ESPN 51 main event on Aug. 12.

"RDA was the best friend of my older brother since I was really young. We grew up together and have always been very close,” Burns said. “Since 2012 Luque has been one of my best training partners. We did each other's camp and stayed in each other's corner countless times. The only good part of being injured is that I’m not able to support him in the camp. But I think this fight is a good matchup for both. It's only a very bad matchup for myself. To tell you the truth, I won't even watch that fight.”