Conor McGregor finds familiar face in preparation for Michael Chandler bout

Before Conor McGregor’s highly anticipated return to the UFC Octagon, he was seen training with a familiar face and fellow UFC fan favorite. Expected to headline a main card during International Fight Week, it seems that Conor is serious about his comeback.

Meanwhile, Michael Chandler has been in a fight camp for some time now, awaiting an official date for McGregor’s return. He expects to square off against his fellow TUF coach.

Conor McGregor trains with Johnny Walker ahead of UFC return

In a short clip shared to Johnny Walker’s Instagram account, he was spotted standing with arms around Conor McGregor seemingly after having trained together.

Johnny, ranked #7 in the light heavyweight division, is currently training to go against Volkan Oezdemir on June 22, whereas McGregor prepares for a return against Michael Chandler. Walker’s fight camp and gym are also based in Dublin, Ireland, McGregor’s home country.

Walker, who is originally Brazilian moved to Dublin after having met his wife, Tara Campbell, back in 2022. The couple is said to have met in Dublin when Walker first joined Straight Blast Gym Ireland.

McGregor was in the limelight recently due to infamous clips of him from an interview being shared online, in which Conor appears to be under the influence of substances. Fans expressed concern but were glad to see that McGregor is still training and is serious about his comeback.

Bellator fighter predicts Conor McGregor vs Michael Chandler result

Former rival of Michael Chandler from back in Bellator, Patrício “Pitbull” Freire shared his thoughts on Michael Chandler’s comeback and his fight prediction for Chandler in an interview with Sports Illustrated.

“It all depends on which Michael Chandler fights that night,” said Freire, having his words translated through a translator.

“If it’s the Michael Chandler from Bellator, he’s going to wrestle Conor,” added Freire, referring to Chandler’s past of being a very dominant force in Bellator due to his overpowering wrestling.

“If it’s the UFC Chandler, he’ll put on a show–but if it’s the UFC Chandler, he’s getting knocked out.” Freire concluded, referring to what the MMA community has called ‘low fight IQ’ on Chandler’s part.

Chandler is also infamous for having lost bouts that he was clearly winning after attempting flashy moves instead of securing the win. Patricio expects that if the dedicated, on-the-come-up version of Chandler shows up, McGregor might be in trouble.