Michael Chandler defends Conor McGregor after UFC 329 disaster

Michael Chandler does not believe Conor McGregor faked his way through UFC 329.

The former lightweight title challenger posted an Instagram video Monday addressing the speculation surrounding McGregor's 69-second appearance against Max Holloway in Las Vegas on Saturday night. McGregor injured his knee early in the welterweight bout and could not continue, prompting theories across social media that he showed up hurt or quit for a payday. Chandler, who spent two years waiting for a fight with McGregor that never happened, called those claims far-fetched.

Chandler: McGregor is not a bamboozler

"You can say what you want about Conor," Chandler said in the video, as reported by MMA Mania. "Conor's mistakes are well documented. Conor's shortcomings are well documented over the past 15 years in this sport, but one thing he is not, he's not a quitter. One thing he is not is a bamboozler."

Chandler broke down the sequence that ended McGregor's return, noting that the Irishman threw a kick, landed awkwardly, buckled, threw another kick, buckled again, then threw a punch before his leg gave out. According to Chandler, that is not the script of someone staging a walkout. He added that the UFC would not orchestrate a one-minute appearance just to boost streaming numbers on Paramount.

Chandler was set to fight McGregor during International Fight Week in 2024 before McGregor pulled out weeks before the card with a broken toe. The two coached opposite each other on The Ultimate Fighter but never made it to the cage. Still, Chandler said he believes McGregor wanted that fight and tried to make it happen.

McGregor posted Sunday that he plans to fight again. No timetable has been announced for his recovery or next booking.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Frenemies? Michael Chandler defends Conor McGregor after ‘disappointing’ UFC 329 injury disaster – ‘He is not a bamboozler’