Former UFC Champ warns Conor McGregor against Middleweight debut: Could extra weight pose some challenges?
In a surprising twist, Conor McGregor recently revealed his plans for a June return to the Octagon, setting the stage for a headline bout against Michael Chandler at UFC 302. The catch? Both fighters are stepping into the middleweight division for the first time. However, UFC veteran Michael Bisping, a former champion himself, isn't entirely sold on McGregor's decision to carry that extra weight.
After a three-year hiatus due to injury, McGregor is ready to make a comeback. The Irish superstar confirmed his return with a slated fight against Michael Chandler on June 29. The noteworthy aspect of this matchup is the shift to the middleweight division, a significant departure from McGregor's previous stints at featherweight and lightweight.
Michael Bisping, known for his candid analysis, raised a flag of caution regarding McGregor's venture into the 185-pound territory. Expressing his thoughts on his YouTube channel, Bisping acknowledged McGregor's past successes but emphasized the potential challenges of competing outside one's optimal weight class.
"If you’re Conor – and I’m not hating on Conor and I’m really excited for the fight because he’s the most exciting guy because of the energy and the presence and the hype and the performances," Bisping remarked. However, he added a note of concern, "it’s not his optimal weight class, so they’re going to be carrying more weight. With all that extra weight, it’s going to be an issue."
While acknowledging McGregor's ability to turn even losses into monumental moments, Bisping highlights the inherent challenge of competing with added weight. The extra pounds could introduce a new dynamic to McGregor's fighting style, and Bisping suggests it might be a factor worth considering.
For more insights into Conor McGregor's middleweight gamble and expert analysis on the potential pitfalls, click here.